Merkel cancer update

@rogermcintire
Hello, my name is Marissa i was diagnose with MCC on Jan 2024 they were able remove
the cancer after 1 year had to have my parotid remove and I just underwent 25 radiations.
so, I'm for now. can anyone tell me if Merkel cell is curable.
Thank and GB

I am new to the group! After hearing your stories, my Merkel seems small! I had a tumor grow on my left pinky finger! My Orthopedic Doctor removed it, and when it came back from Pathology, I got news it was Merkel Cell Carcinoma! After removing only two lymph nodes, the cancer had not spread! I receive five radiation treatments and go back in November, 2025 for Immunotherapy! So far Ihave no side effects! I pray God will heal all of us ! Chuck Sovick

Hello @chucksvick79, and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I am happy to hear that your journey with Merkel Cell Carcinoma went so well. I'm sure you are relieved to know that there is currently no indication of lymph node involvement.

As you are comfortable doing so, please share a bit more about this process. Prior to seeing the orthopedic doctor to have the tumor removed, were you having pain or other symptoms in your finger or hand? How did you feel during the radiation treatments?

@hopeful33250 I initially thought the growth was a wart! I. Went to my Dermatologist who stated it was was not a wart! That I needed to see an upper exterminities Orthopedic Doctor. The growth that started out as a pimple grew rapidly and started to change color, bleed and hurt! I have no idea where it came from! I'am not out in the sun much! But, I do drive with left hand at the 12:00o'clock position! Also my immune system was down do 13 weeks of RSV!

@hopeful33250 I initially thought the growth was a wart! I. Went to my Dermatologist who stated it was was not a wart! That I needed to see an upper exterminities Orthopedic Doctor. The growth that started out as a pimple grew rapidly and started to change color, bleed and hurt! I have no idea where it came from! I'am not out in the sun much! But, I do drive with left hand at the 12:00o'clock position! Also my immune system was down do 13 weeks of RSV!

@chucksvick79 I appreciate the background on the development of the tumor. From your post, it looks like you will be beginning Immunotherapy next month.

Will you continue to post with any questions or concerns, and to let me know how you are doing?

Hi, I’ ve posted before. I had a dime sized lesion on right forearm and surgery to remove. There was involvement in several lymph nodes. Radiation for 25 days. This was a year and half ago. I have PET scans every 3 months that have been clear. I asked my oncologist about immunotherapy and was told by him that unless it came back or metastasized, it wasn’t indicated. So far so good. After 2 years, I will go to PET’s every 6 months.