page_title: Merkel-cell carcinoma
section_title: Pathophysiology
hierarchical_section_title: Merkel-cell carcinoma / Pathophysiology
caption_attribution_description: English: Photomicrograph of Merkel cell carcinoma infiltrating the skin (arrow). Tumor cell nuclei are stained brown by an antibody to the Merkel cell polyomavirus large T antigen.
context_page_description: Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare and aggressive skin cancer occurring in about 3 people per 1,000,000 members of the 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. Factors involved in the development of MCC include the Merkel cell polyomavirus, a weakened immune system, and exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Merkel-cell carcinoma usually arises on the head, neck, and extremities, as well as in the perianal region and on the eyelid. It is more common in people over 60 years old, Caucasian people, and males. MCC is less common in children.
caption: Merkel-cell carcinoma (arrow) infiltrating skin tissue, stained brown for Merkel cell polyomavirus large T protein.[13]
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