Merkel cell cancer medical therapy
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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 medical therapy On the Web |
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American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Merkel cell cancer medical therapy |
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Risk calculators and risk factors for Merkel cell cancer medical therapy |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Ahmad Al Maradni, M.D. [2]
Overview
The predominant therapy for Merkel cell cancer is surgical resection. Adjunctive chemotherapy and radiation may be required.
Medical Therapy
Chemotherapy
Merkel cell cancer that has metastasized may respond to treatment with chemotherapy and/or radiation. This therapy usually does not cure the disease, but can be effective in shrinking the tumor if the tumor is too large to be removed, or is located in a place where removal would be difficult or dangerous.
Radiation
Adjuvant radiotherapy has been shown to be effective in reducing recurrence and increasing five year survival of patients with Merkel Cell Carcinoma.