Rare Merkel Cell Cancer

Posted by rudydog1 @rudydog1, Apr 24, 2020

Husband just diagnosed. Established oncology Dr. relationship. Concerned local surgeon is not familar with this type. Scheduled for PET this week. Large mass under arm. Appears very deadly…does the Mayo clinic have experience with this type of skin cancer?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Cancer group.

Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Apr 24, 2020

Hello @rudydog1 and welcome to Connect.

I am sorry to hear that your husband is dealing with this rare form of skin cancer. I can understand your concern that he gets the best possible surgeon and treatment available. It does appear that Mayo Clinic is familiar with this. On Mayo's website, I found this information. Just click on the link and you can learn the symptoms, treatments, and doctors/department at Mayo who treat this type of cancer, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/merkel-cell-carcinoma/symptoms-causes/syc-20351030.

If you are interested in getting an appointment with one of the 3 Mayo Clinic facilities, here is where you can get appointment information, http://mayocl.in/1mtmR63.

Has your husband had other cancer treatments in the past?

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Apr 26, 2020

Hi @rudydog1 I can confirm that Mayo Clinic is ranked number 1 for cancer care, including rare and complex cancers like Merkel cell. @hopeful33250 has provided the links to request an appointment in her message above. You may wish to ask your husband’s current oncologist to submit a referral for a second opinion. In many situations, Mayo Clinic will also work with local oncology specialists for follow up care, and other aspects of treatment that can be performed locally. I encourage you to inquire.

When is the PET scan?