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Merkel-cell carcinoma facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Merkel-cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare and aggressive skin cancer happening in about 3 per 1,000,000 population. It is also known as cutaneous APUDoma, primary neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin, primary small cell carcinoma of the skin, and trabecular carcinoma of the skin.

Reasons why the cancer would form is because of Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV or MCV), a weakened immune system, and exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

Merkel-cell carcinoma usually shows up on the head, neck, perianal and eyelid. It is more common in elderly people.

Images for kids

  • Merkel cell carcinoma arm

    Small spot on the left arm is Merkel-cell cancer.

  • Merkelcellcarcinoma Tag

    Merkel-cell carcinoma (arrow) infiltrating skin tissue, stained brown for Merkel cell polyomavirus large T protein

  • Micrographs of a typical merkel cell carcinoma

    Photomicrographs of a typical Merkel-cell carcinoma at a 4x, b 40x, and c–d 100x objectives. Hematoxylin and eosin staining demonstrates small, undifferentiated cells with high N/C ratio and scanty cytoplasm. Typical immunopanel demonstrates positive staining with e cytokeratin AE1/AE3 (100x oil immersion), f CK 20 (100x oil immersion), and neuroendocrine markers such as g chromogranin (100x oil immersion).

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Carcinoma de células de Merkel para niños

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