ocular melanoma
ocular melanoma is rare, affecting approximately five in a million people. while it represents only 5% of melanomas, ocular melanoma is rapid and aggressive, accounting for 9% of melanoma deaths.
merkel cell carcinoma
merkel cell carcinoma (mcc) is a rare non-melanoma skin cancer. it can develop in the merkel cells, which are found in the deepest areas of the epidermis and hair follicles. merkel cells are related to nerve function and production of hormones. mcc generally spreads quickly, and develops in areas often exposed to the sun (head, neck, arms, and legs), but can occur anywhere on the body. once the cancer starts to metastasize, or spread, to other parts of the body, it becomes metastatic mcc. mcc is sometimes referred to as neuroendocrine skin cancer or trabecular carcinoma.
mcc generally manifests in a non-painful firm, raised bump on the skin, which may be red or purple in colour. as mcc spreads more bumps may appear nearby, and swelling may occur in the lymph nodes.
source: canadian cancer society, “
merkel cell carcinoma
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squamous cell carcinoma
squamous cell carcinoma (scc), which begins in the keratinocyte cells, is the second most common skin cancer. while scc usually develops in areas that have been exposed to the sun, it can also manifest in burn or wound sites.