10 Key Factors That Elevate Your Risk of Merkel Cell Carcinoma
It's a lesser-known name in the world of skin cancer, but Merkel cell carcinoma packs a serious punch. Originating in specialized Merkel cells—deep within the epidermis, vital for your sense of fine touch—this aggressive cancer often first appears as a seemingly innocent firm, painless bump, perhaps pink, red, or purple, typically on sun-drenched skin. But don't let its rarity or initial appearance deceive you; it can spread rapidly. Understanding this stealthy disease is crucial, but even more powerful is knowing what might make you more vulnerable. That’s why we’re unveiling 10 key factors that can significantly elevate your risk, empowering you to be more vigilant and informed about your skin's health.
1. History Of Skin Cancer
Cancers that originate in the skin cells occur when damage in a cell causes an error or mutation in the cell's DNA. The genes in a cell's DNA that control when the cell divides, grows, and dies are called oncogenes. Genes in a cell's DNA that control the frequency and rate of cell division and cellular death are called tumor suppressor genes or antioncogenes. A patient who has had prior occurrences of skin cancer in their life is at an increased risk of developing Merkel cell carcinoma because the DNA in their skin cells has already sustained damage or been altered before. It usually requires numerous gene changes in a cell's DNA for cancer to occur, but some of these changes are already present in individuals who have a history of skin cancer. Because fewer mutations of the cellular DNA are required to cause cancer in these individuals, they are at an increased risk of developing cancer in the Merkel cells. A history of skin cancer can also indicate an individual has a hereditary predisposing factor where they lack one or more of the normal tumor suppressor genes in their DNA.
2. Light Skin Color
Skin cancer occurrence, including that of Merkel cell carcinoma, is typically higher in individuals who are light skinned than in those who have darker skin. The reason for this has to do with the amount of melanin present in the body and skin. Melanin is the compound that provides the hair, eyes, and skin with their level of pigmentation. Melanin is also responsible for the protection of the body's cells from harmful ultraviolet rays. Melanin accomplishes this by absorbing the ultraviolet energy and deflecting it away from the cells of healthy tissues. The skin cells of individuals with light skin do not receive as much protection from the melanin pigment as the skin cells of darker skinned individuals. This lack of protection makes their skin cells more susceptible to damage from ultraviolet rays that results in Merkel cell carcinoma. In addition, individuals with a light skin color have more spots of discoloration on their skin like moles and freckles. About half of all skin cancers originate from a pre-existing discoloration in the skin. Both a lack of protection and a higher frequency of skin discolorations make light-skinned individuals more prone to developing Merkel cell carcinoma.
