Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) may be rare, but it’s one of the most aggressive skin cancers—and one of the least understood. We explore everything you need to know about this fast-growing condition, from emerging research to powerful new treatments that are shifting outcomes and saving lives.

Inside this episode:

• What MCC actually is and why it’s rising so rapidly
• Risk factors you may not expect: UV exposure, immune suppression, and the Merkel cell polyomavirus
• How to recognize the early signs using the AEIOU rule
• The full diagnostic process: biopsies, sentinel lymph node testing, imaging, and staging
• A deep dive into treatment: surgery, radiation, and the revolutionary impact of immunotherapy
• What happens when immunotherapy fails—and what’s next in clinical trials
• Prevention, early detection, and why sun protection still matters most
• How researchers are overcoming rare-cancer challenges through global collaboration

Even rare cancers like MCC are seeing transformational breakthroughs—and this episode delivers everything you need to know to stay informed, proactive, and hopeful.