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Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic staff
The first sign of Merkel cell carcinoma is usually a fast-growing, painless nodule (tumor) on your skin. The shiny nodule may be skin colored or may appear in shades of red, blue or purple. Nearly half of Merkel cell carcinomas appear on the face, head or neck, but they can develop anywhere on your body, even on areas not exposed to sunlight.
If the skin cancer has spread to other parts of your body, you may experience swollen lymph nodes, pain or fatigue.
When to see a doctor
If you notice a mole, freckle or bump that is changing in size, shape or color, growing rapidly or bleeding easily after minor trauma, such as washing your skin or shaving, talk to your doctor. Most skin lesions never become cancer, but if you see any changes, it's important to get checked out.
