Mercle cell cancer is rare, only 1500 cases in the USA per year. My mother in law had it on the cheek, now it appears on her elbow and again on the other cheek. Both are quite large and she has increasing pain in her hip. She is 85 years. What is the best outcome?
Hello dear, thanks for your question on Chat Doctor. I can understand your mother in laws situation and problem. Merck cells are cells of skin. And their cancer is very, very rare. Surgical excision with chemotherapy and radiotherapy are the treatment options for this cancer. Unblock resection of involved skin with post-operative systemic chemotherapy and radiotherapy to the surgical site should be done to prevent recurrence. Usual life expectancy is less than 15-18 months. And five year survival rate is less than 15-20%. So discuss all these with oncologist and then start appropriate treatment.