What Increases The Risk Of Merkel Cell Carcinoma?

Older Age

Individuals of advanced age have a higher probability of developing Merkel cell carcinoma. Eighty percent of all patients affected by Merkel cell carcinoma are older than seventy. A few mechanisms contribute to the increased risk factor of advanced age. Individuals who are older have had more cumulative sun exposure than younger individuals. This prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation means older individuals are more likely to have sustained more damage to their skin cells. More damaged skin cells indicate older individuals also have more pre-cancerous skin cells. In addition, the immune system begins to decline in function as an individual reaches an advanced age. This decline means the immune system is not able to target and clear abnormal cells very well before they begin to grow into a malignant tumor. In addition, the decline in immune function can allow the Merkel cell polyomavirus to grow if it is encountered or already present. These mechanisms may increase an individual's risk of developing Merkel cell carcinoma independently, or they may do so in combination with each other.