Jimmy Buffet, the renowned singer and songwriter famous for the song “Margaritaville,” died from a rare type of skin cancer last week. The 76-year-old was battling with Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) for the past 4 years before he died at his home in Sag Harbor, Long Island, on Sept. 1.

MCC is an aggressive type of skin cancer that develops on Merkel cells found on the skin’s outermost layer. The life-threatening cancer has a high probability of reoccurrence and it spreads quickly to other parts of the body inside two to 3 years of diagnosis.

Every yr, 3,000 latest cases of MCC are expected to be diagnosed within the U.S. It’s 40 times rarer than melanoma but three to 5 times deadlier than the latter.

Risk aspects

• Use of tanning beds – Individuals who have a history of severe sunburns from sunlight or frequent use of tanning beds are at the next risk.
• History of other skin cancers – MCC is typically seen in individuals with other types of skin cancers resembling basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma or melanoma.
• Use of phototherapy – Patients who receive phototherapy treatment for psoriasis and other skin conditions are at an elevated risk of developing MCC.
• Weakened immune system – The usage of immunosuppressants and weakened immunity resulting from conditions resembling HIV increases susceptibility.
• Old age and lightweight skin – Although MCC can affect people at any age, the very best risk group includes men who’re fair-skinned and aged over 50.

Signs

Probably the most common sign of MCC is the looks of shiny lumps on the skin surface, especially on the areas exposed to sun resembling the face, head or neck. The lumps could be itchy, tender and dome-shaped. They seem barely red/ purple and grow rapidly.

Prevention

Crucial step in stopping any type of skin cancer is reducing direct exposure to sunlight and avoiding tanning beds. Experts recommend regular use of broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at the very least 30 when going out within the sun. Any moles or lumps on the skin that grow in size and alter appearance shouldn’t be ignored.

Treatment

The treatment involves surgery to remove the tumor, radiation therapy, immunotherapy and chemotherapy. The sort of treatment depends upon the stage of the cancer and the extent to which it has spread.

Published by Medicaldaily.com