What you need to know about the rare skin cancer that led to Jimmy Buffett’s death
Beloved singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett died after four years with a rare skin cancer, according to a statement on his website. The “Margaritaville” singer, who was 76, kept performing while undergoing treatment for the Merkel cell skin cancer — his last show was a surprise appearance in Rhode Island in early July. Hundreds of so-called Parrotheads, many wearing tropical outfits, took to the streets in the Florida Keys over the weekend to honor the singer. Many shared tributes online.
Buffett was no stranger to the sun and outdoors. He sang of it and lived it. Skin cancer, propelled by sun exposure, is the most common type of cancer in the United States. And Merkel cell carcinoma, while rare, is the second most common cause of skin cancer death after melanoma, and can often be difficult to treat, according to health experts. About 2,000 cases of Merkel cell carcinoma are diagnosed in the U.S. each year, according to the American Cancer Society.
Here’s what to know about the disease:
What is Merkel cell skin cancer?
Merkel cells are found in the skin’s top layer, and become cancerous when they start to grow out of control, according to the National Cancer Institute. It’s also known as Merkel cell carcinoma, neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin or trabecular cancer.
While the cancer can grow anywhere on the body, it most commonly starts in sun-exposed areas of the skin, such as the head, neck, arms and legs. The cancer can spread quickly, either through the body’s lymph system or blood, and can eventually spread to the lungs, brain, bones or other organs, according to the National Cancer Institute.
Some cancer tumors are as small as a pea; others as large as a grapefruit.
“For example, if Merkel cell carcinoma spreads to the liver, the cancer cells in the liver are actually cancerous Merkel cells. The disease is metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma, not liver cancer,” according to the institute.
What does it look like?
It’s important to catch this aggressive cancer early for treatment, but sometimes it can be difficult to notice that something is wrong. The lump the cancer causes is sometimes confused with insect bites, a sore, a cyst or a pimple, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association.
The pink, red or violet firm lump is often painless, and grows quickly, often in a dome shape or as a raised and scaly patch, according to the association. The dermatology association’s website has photos of what the skin cancer’s lumps often look like.
Because it often looks like other more common skin cancers or skin problems, doctors may not suspect that it’s Merkel cell skin cancer until the tumor is biopsied, according to the American Cancer Society. The society says more people were diagnosed with this cancer over the past few decades, likely because lab tests are more accurate and also because people are living longer, including those with weaker immune systems.
Who is most at risk?
Unlike other cancers, the risk of Merkel skin cancer doesn’t seem to be connected to family genetics.
The major risk factor for the disease, like other skin cancers, is UV exposure, from the sun, tanning beds and from psoriasis treatments, according to the American Cancer Society.
Other risk factors include infection with Merkel cell polyomavirus or having a weaker immune system, either from other diseases such as leukemia and HIV or from drugs, such as those prescribed to organ transplant patients, according to Baptist Health South Florida. Being a male, older than 50 or white also increases your risk.
Here are some statistics from the
American Cancer Society:
■ Nearly all, more than 9 out of 10 people, diagnosed with the disease are white.
■ More than 4 out of 5 Americans diagnosed with the skin cancer are 70 or older.
■ Men are two times more likely than women to develop this cancer, likely because they often get more sun exposure.
How can the cancer be treated?
The cancer, depending on what stage it’s in, can be treated through surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and immunotherapy, though other treatment options are being tested in clinical trials.
How to reduce the cancer risk?
The best way to reduce your risk of developing Merkel cell and other skin cancers is to make lifestyle changes to reduce your exposure to UV rays from the sun and tanning beds, according to Baptist Health South Florida.
Tips
■ Wear sunscreen, SPF 30 or higher, with both UVA and UVB protection, regardless of your skin tone.
■ Avoid being out in the sun when the rays are strongest, usually between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
■ Wear protective clothing that covers your neck, head and eyes if you’re planning to be out in the sun, and make sure to examine your skin every month to check for any lumps.
If you have any questions or concerns about your individual risk, speak with your doctor.