A notice posted on Jimmy Buffett’s website this weekend shared that the beloved singer-songwriter had passed away at age 76 after a four-year battle with Merkel cell carcinoma, an aggressive form of skin cancer.
Although this form of skin cancer is rare, per the Mayo Clinic, experts believe cases will increase in the coming years, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. Here’s what you need to know.
What is Merkel cell carcinoma?
This form of skin cancer usually occurs on areas of the body that are exposed to the sun. Tumors are not as distinctive as some other forms of cancer, the Skin Cancer Foundation said. What sets this condition apart is the rapid pace at which the tumors grow.
While the cancer is named after Merkel cells – which are located deep in the top layer of skin and connect to nerves, serving as touch receptors – recent research suggests that the cancer does not originate from normal Merkel cells. They are associated with the cancer due to similar microscopic properties.
Merkel cell carcinoma is also called neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin.
According to the Mayo Clinic, Merkel cell tumors appear as flesh-colored or bluish-red nodules, typically on the face, head or neck, that are not tender to the touch.
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How common is Merkel cell carcinoma?
Today, approximately 3,000 new cases are diagnosed annually in the U.S. That makes Merkel cell carcinoma the second leading cause of skin cancer death after melanoma, according to research published last December.
Older people are most likely to be diagnosed with the condition. Long term sun exposure and a weak immune system might increase the risk of developing Merkel cell carcinoma. A virus called Merkel cell polyomavirus has also been linked to the disease.
By 2025, experts expect new cases to increase to 3,250 annually, said the Skin Cancer Foundation.
What’s the outlook for people who are diagnosed?
In addition to growing fast, Merkel cell cancer tumors are also likely to return. Within two to three years of a patient’s initial diagnosis, the cancer often returns or spreads.
“In recent years, the use of immunotherapy has changed the treatment landscape for patients with metastatic MCC, significantly improving the prognosis,” said research published in the Cancers journal last year. “However, the five-year disease-specific survival remains around 64%, underlying the unmet need for novel treatments.”
Buffett, known for hits such as “Margaritaville” and “Cheeseburger in Paradise”, continued to perform during his treatment for the cancer, said his website. His last show was a surprise appearance in Rhode Island this July.
How can Merkel cell carcinoma be prevented?
The Mayo Clinic recommends the following to reduce the risk of developing this cancer:
· Avoiding the sun at peak hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
· Shielding skin and eyes from the sun
· Applying 30 SPF or higher sunscreen often
· Check skin often for any changes
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