Symptoms of Merkel cell carcinoma

When a New York patient suddenly finds a new growth on their skin, they should seek immediate attention to rule out any potentially deadly cancers, such as Merkel cell carcinoma. This rare cancer first appears as a nodule on the skin that may be skin-colored or bluish-red in color. While they usually first appear on the head, neck or face, they can spread to other parts of the body quickly if they are not dealt with in a timely manner.

If the tumors are diagnosed at an early stage, they are usually curable. These skin tumors are typically firm, painless lesions that occur on areas of the skin that are exposed to the sun. They can frequently occur on the eyelids although they grow on other areas of the body as well. They can vary in size, but they are commonly less than 20 millimeters in diameter with an average size of about 17 millimeters, or the size of a dime.

Some doctors use the acronym "AEIOU" when looking at risk factors and potential symptoms. For example, the A stands for asymptomatic or lack of tenderness, the E stands for expansion at a rapid pace, the I stands for immune suppression, the O stands for the patient being older than 50 years of age and the U stands for exposure to ultraviolet light.

There are many conditions that are more easily treated when they are diagnosed in their early stages. A delayed diagnosis or a misdiagnosis could result in the need for intensive treatment and even hospitalization down the line. If a doctor fails to diagnose a potentially deadly condition, a medical malpractice attorney may assist with filing a claim against the doctor and the practice or hospital. The attorney may also take the case to court if a solution cannot be reached through negotiations.