Merkel cell cancer surgery: Difference between revisions
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==Overview== | ==Overview== | ||
Because Merkel cell cancer is uncommon and is difficult to diagnose, patients may want a second opinion about the diagnosis and treatment plan before starting treatment. However, early diagnosis and treatment of Merkel cell cancer are important factors in decreasing the chance of its spread. It is difficult to cure once it has spread. | |||
==Surgery== | |||
[[Cancer#Surgery|Surgery]] is the usual treatment for Merkel cell cancer. The [[tumor]] is removed along with a border of healthy tissue surrounding it. Nearby, or regional, [[Lymphatic system#Secondary lymphoid organs|lymph nodes]] are often removed because they may contain cancer cells. Sometimes the doctor performs a sentinel lymph node [[biopsy]]. In this procedure, the doctor injects a dye or radioactive substance near the tumor. This material flows into the first lymph nodes where cancer is likely to spread (the sentinel nodes). These nodes are then removed and checked for cancer cells. This procedure has been demonstrated to be an important prognostic indicator. Results help dictate the use of appropriate adjuvant therapy, if necessary. | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||
Revision as of 05:30, 23 January 2012
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Merkel cell cancer Microchapters |
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Diagnosis |
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Treatment |
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Case Studies |
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Merkel cell cancer surgery On the Web |
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American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Merkel cell cancer surgery |
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Risk calculators and risk factors for Merkel cell cancer surgery |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Because Merkel cell cancer is uncommon and is difficult to diagnose, patients may want a second opinion about the diagnosis and treatment plan before starting treatment. However, early diagnosis and treatment of Merkel cell cancer are important factors in decreasing the chance of its spread. It is difficult to cure once it has spread.
Surgery
Surgery is the usual treatment for Merkel cell cancer. The tumor is removed along with a border of healthy tissue surrounding it. Nearby, or regional, lymph nodes are often removed because they may contain cancer cells. Sometimes the doctor performs a sentinel lymph node biopsy. In this procedure, the doctor injects a dye or radioactive substance near the tumor. This material flows into the first lymph nodes where cancer is likely to spread (the sentinel nodes). These nodes are then removed and checked for cancer cells. This procedure has been demonstrated to be an important prognostic indicator. Results help dictate the use of appropriate adjuvant therapy, if necessary.