{"id":6261,"date":"2023-09-04T05:26:10","date_gmt":"2023-09-03T23:56:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/farratanews.online\/merkel-cell-carcinoma-the-disease-that-killed-jimmy-buffett-what-to-know-about-this-illness\/"},"modified":"2023-09-04T05:26:10","modified_gmt":"2023-09-03T23:56:10","slug":"merkel-cell-carcinoma-the-disease-that-killed-jimmy-buffett-what-to-know-about-this-illness","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/farratanews.online\/merkel-cell-carcinoma-the-disease-that-killed-jimmy-buffett-what-to-know-about-this-illness\/","title":{"rendered":"Merkel cell carcinoma, the disease that killed Jimmy Buffett: What to know about this illness"},"content":{"rendered":"

[ad_1]\n<\/p>\n

\n

Music icon Jimmy Buffett passed away on Friday at the age of 76.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The cause of death was merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), a disease he had been fighting for four years, according to the official obituary posted on the musician\u2019s website.<\/p>\n

MCC is a rare but aggressive type of skin cancer<\/u> that is known to have a high rate of recurring and spreading, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation (SCF).<\/p>\n

LEGENDARY MUSICIAN JIMMY BUFFETT DEAD AT 76: ‘LIVED HIS LIFE LIKE A SONG TIL THE VERY LAST BREATH’<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

Around 3,000 cases are diagnosed in the U.S. each year.<\/p>\n

That number is expected to reach 3,250 by 2025.<\/p>\n

\n
\"Jimmy<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>\n
\n
\n

Music icon Jimmy Buffett passed away on Friday at age 76. The cause of death was merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), a disease he had been fighting for four years. The illness is 40 times more rare than melanoma.<\/span> (Getty Images)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

The disease is 40 times rarer than melanoma, the SCF states on its website.<\/p>\n

Who is at risk?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The primary cause of Merkel cell carcinoma is “excessive exposure to natural or artificial sunlight,” according to the Mayo Clinic.<\/p>\n

Certain groups of people are at a higher risk, however.<\/p>\n

Those whose immune systems have been weakened by a medical condition or certain immunosuppressant medications<\/u> may be more susceptible to the disease, per the SCF.<\/p>\n

MUSIC ICON JIMMY BUFFETT’S CAUSE OF DEATH REVEALED<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

Compared to those with healthy immune systems, immunocompromised people are 15 times more likely to develop MCC.\u00a0<\/p>\n

A history of other types of skin cancers \u2014 including melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma \u2014 is another risk factor.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n
\"Cancer<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>\n
\n
\n

Around 3,000 cases of MCC are diagnosed in the U.S. each year, and that number is expected to reach 3,250 by 2025.<\/span> (iStock)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Most people who are diagnosed with MCC are males and are over 50 years old, the SCF stated.<\/p>\n

Fair-skinned people also have a higher risk of developing the disease.<\/p>\n

What should people look for?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The most common symptom of MCC is a shiny or pearly lesion or nodule found on the skin \u2014 usually in areas that are frequently exposed to the sun, per the SCF.<\/p>\n

\n
\"Merkel<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>\n
\n
\n

Merkel’s tumor of the shoulder is shown here in a 61-year-old man.<\/span> (Getty Images)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

These painless growths are usually around 1.7 centimeters in size \u2014 about the size of a dime \u2014 at the time of detection.<\/p>\n

The lesions are skin-colored, red, purple or bluish-red, according to the SCF.\u00a0<\/p>\n

They tend to expand quickly.<\/p>\n

What are the challenges of diagnosis?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Early detection is key to the successful treatment of Merkel cell carcinoma, but this type of skin cancer can prove to be more challenging to diagnose.<\/p>\n

Studies have shown that 56% of Merkel cell carcinomas were mistaken for benign cysts or infected hair follicles when first examined by doctors<\/u>, the SCF stated.<\/p>\n

BE WELL: CATCH SKIN CANCER WARNING SIGNS EARLY WITH REGULAR SELF-EXAMS<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

Some cases also originate in areas where they are difficult to detect \u2014 including the mouth, throat and nasal cavity.<\/p>\n

The foundation also pointed to a study that found 14% of MCCs had already spread to the lymph nodes without the appearance of a tumor.<\/p>\n

\n
\"Doctor<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>\n
\n
\n

Those who notice any unexplained changes in the skin should contact a dermatologist for a skin check.<\/span> (iStock)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Dr. Michael Whitlow, a dermatologist at NYU Langone Health, reiterated that Merkel cell carcinoma can look somewhat nondescript and is often missed.\u00a0<\/p>\n

“I have seen one case in my years of practice,” he told Dr. Marc Siegel, a Fox News contributor. “It was on the cheek, and when I saw it, I initially thought it was just an unusual angioma.”<\/p>\n

He added, “In general, it is fairly aggressive \u2014 even with people who have localized disease.”<\/p>\n

\n

“It can kill you in as fast as three weeks, especially when it\u2019s on the head and neck.”<\/p>\n

<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Dr. Doris Day, another dermatologist at NYU Langone Health, called MCC “the deadliest of all the skin cancers.”<\/p>\n

As she told Siegel, “It\u2019s the one I fear the most and am always on the lookout for.”<\/p>\n

\n
\"Jimmy<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>\n
\n
\n

Singer Jimmy Buffett is shown performing on NBC’s “Today” show in New York City, Aug. 15, 2013. The musician passed away on Friday, Sept. 1, from Merkel cell carcinoma.<\/span> (REUTERS\/Brendan McDermid)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

“It can kill you in as fast as three weeks, especially when it\u2019s on the head and neck,” she added.<\/p>\n

Day also pointed out the cancer\u2019s relatively non-specific appearance, which can mean it’s misdiagnosed as an inflamed cyst or benign skin nodule.\u00a0<\/p>\n

What is the viral connection?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Recently, Day noted, researchers have made a connection to a virus that can trigger Merkel cell carcinomas.<\/p>\n

Studies have shown that a virus called Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) is associated with about 80% of MCC cases.<\/p>\n

SKIN CANCER CHECKS AND SUNSCREEN: WHY THESE (STILL) MATTER VERY MUCH FOR GOOD HEALTH<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

MCPyV is the only polyomavirus that has been found to be linked to human cancer, according to the Center for Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases (CERID).<\/p>\n

The virus is very common, but most healthy adults don\u2019t experience any symptoms.<\/p>\n

\n
\"Merkel<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>\n
\n
\n

Studies have shown that a virus called Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) is associated with about 80% of MCC cases.<\/span> (iStock)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Older people and those with weakened immune systems are more likely to develop MCC as a result of the virus, CERID states on its website.<\/p>\n

What are the treatment and prognosis?\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n

After a diagnosis of MCC \u2014 via a physical exam, skin exam and skin biopsy \u2014 fast treatment is critical to extending survival.<\/p>\n

Prognosis and treatment are based on the stage of the cancer, its location on the body, the patient\u2019s age and health, and whether it’s a first-time cancer or a recurrence, according to the National Cancer Institute.\u00a0<\/p>\n

MORE YOUNGER PEOPLE ARE RECEIVING CANCER DIAGNOSES, STUDY FINDS \u2014 ESPECIALLY THIS TYPE<\/strong><\/p>\n

The standard treatments for MCC include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and immunotherapy.<\/p>\n

Due to the viral nature of many MCC cases, “some of the latest treatments for widespread disease are immunotherapy-based,” Dr. Marc Siegel, clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center<\/u> and a Fox News medical contributor, told Fox News Digital this weekend.<\/p>\n

\n
\"Sunscreen\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>\n
\n
\n

Applying sunscreen before sun exposure is one of the primary methods of preventing Merkel cell carcinoma.<\/span> (iStock)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

With immunotherapy, the treatment boosts the patient\u2019s immune system so it is better equipped to fight cancer.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Additional treatments are being tested in clinical trials.<\/p>\n

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

For patients with localized Merkel cell carcinoma that has not spread, the five-year survival rate is 75%, according to the American Cancer Society.<\/p>\n

\n
\"Chemotherapy\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>\n
\n
\n

The standard treatments for MCC include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and immunotherapy.<\/span> (iStock)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

For those whose cancer has started to spread to nearby areas or lymph nodes, the survival rate is 61%.<\/p>\n

Five-year survival drops to 24% for patients whose cancer has spread to more distant parts of the body, the ACS states.<\/p>\n

What are some prevention tips?<\/h2>\n

As with other skin cancers, wearing sunscreen with an SPF of 60 or greater is recommended to prevent the development of Merkel cell carcinoma, according to Cleveland Clinic.<\/p>\n

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

Experts also advise avoiding direct contact with the sun between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and to avoid using tanning beds or sunlamps.\u00a0<\/p>\n

When in direct sunlight, it’s wise to cover the skin as much as possible and\/or wear a wide-brimmed hat and large sunglasses, per Cleveland Clinic.<\/p>\n

Doctors recommend performing regular skin checks at home and contacting a health care provider if any unexplained changes are found.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n
\n

Melissa Rudy is health editor and a member of the lifestyle team at Fox News Digital.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n[ad_2]\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

[ad_1] Music icon Jimmy Buffett passed away on Friday at the age of 76.\u00a0 The cause of death was merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), a disease he had been fighting for four years, according to the official obituary posted on the musician\u2019s website. MCC is a rare but aggressive type of skin cancer that is known …<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":6262,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[8],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/farratanews.online\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6261"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/farratanews.online\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/farratanews.online\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/farratanews.online\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/farratanews.online\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6261"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/farratanews.online\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6261\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/farratanews.online\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6262"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/farratanews.online\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6261"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/farratanews.online\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6261"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/farratanews.online\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6261"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}