What are the treatment options for Merkel cell carcinoma?

Merkel cell carcinoma is a skin cancer that can grow and spread quickly. The team examines the primary lesion and nearby lymph nodes, and may use scans or tissue testing to understand its extent. The result helps determine whether treatment should target the skin, lymph nodes, areas elsewhere in the body, or several of these sites.

Tumour removal surgery removes the visible cancer with a margin of surrounding tissue and may include lymph-node assessment. Radiotherapy may be used after surgery, for a tumour that cannot be removed easily, or to treat a specific area. Immunotherapy helps the immune system recognise and attack cancer cells and may be considered when disease has spread or surgery is not suitable.

Ask whether the lesion needs removal, lymph-node assessment, or additional imaging before treatment. Before surgery, discuss wound closure, possible grafting, and how the operation may affect movement or appearance. If radiotherapy or immunotherapy is proposed, ask about the treatment area, visit pattern, likely skin effects, and symptoms that need rapid advice.

Tell the team about autoimmune conditions, organ problems, previous radiation, and medicines. Keep appointments for skin and lymph-node checks, and report a new lump or changing skin area rather than waiting for the next routine visit.

Arrange prompt assessment for a firm, fast-growing, painless skin lump; a sore that bleeds or does not heal; or a new swollen lymph node. During treatment, seek urgent help for breathing difficulty, facial swelling, severe rash, confusion, or rapidly worsening illness. A skin lump can have causes other than cancer, so examination is needed.

Has the cancer reached a lymph node or another area? Is surgery likely to remove it completely? Would radiotherapy reduce local recurrence risk? When would immunotherapy be considered?