Merkel cells, found in the top layer of the skin, are touch receptors. They are found in high concentrations on the fingertips and lips but are also present in other areas of the skin. Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is when these cells multiple and grow out of control. It starts most often in areas of the body exposed to the sun.

Risk Factors

 This type of cancer is rare but the number of diagnoses have tripled over the past twenty years, with approximately 1,500 new cases each year in the...