10 Key Factors That Elevate Your Risk of Merkel Cell Carcinoma

Whitney Alexandra

8. Long-Term PUVA Therapy: A Past Treatment's Lingering Shadow

Young woman stretching outdoors in bright athletic wear. Photo Credit: Envato @guillemd

For individuals who underwent extensive PUVA (Psoralen plus Ultraviolet A) therapy, historically used for severe psoriasis or other skin conditions, a lingering risk for MCC exists. PUVA combines a photosensitizing drug (psoralen) with UVA radiation, a potent combination that can cause significant DNA damage in skin cells over time, increasing the likelihood of various skin malignancies. While less common now due to newer treatments, a history of high-dose or prolonged PUVA exposure warrants ongoing skin surveillance for MCC and other skin cancers.

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8. Long-Term PUVA Therapy: A Past Treatment's Lingering Shadow

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