Florida dermatologists say the skin cancer that killed Jimmy Buffett is becoming more common in the Sunshine State and urge residents to look out for a few unique features.
Florida dermatologists say the skin cancer that killedis becoming more common in the Sunshine State and urge residents to look out for a few unique features. While rare, the aggressive skin cancer pops up most often in skin areas exposed to the sun, such as the face, scalp or neck.
People who are fair-skinned, older than 50, and exposed regularly to the sun are at higher risk of developing Merkel cell carcinoma. The key to survival is finding out early, and acting quickly., but once it spreads to a distant organ, the survival rate plunges to only 24%.says he has many patients he is treating or following that have Merkel cell carcinoma. “It looks like a very non-specific bump that is flesh-colored or reddish blue and can be the size of an eraser tip on a pencil,” he said. “It needs to be biopsied to make a diagnosis. The sooner it’s caught, the better your chances are.” If something looks like a pimple or bug bite and doesn’t go away, get checked by a dermatologist, he said. It some cases, the original bump spawns more nearby. Merkel cell carcinoma can be aggressive, especially when it spreads to distant parts of the body. It is the second most common cause of skin cancer-related death, after melanoma., director of radiation oncology with Lynn Cancer Institute, part of Baptist Health, at Boca Raton Regional Hospital. “We see it a couple of times a month.” And, while it is more common in men, Kasper says they see women with it too. “With the population living in Florida, one of biggest things that sets us apart is the suppressed immune system that happens as we age.” Kasper said with Merkel, the nodule below the skin’s surface tends to be hard or firm, although not at all painful. “It can grow fairly quickly. Sometimes, doctors who don’t know what it is will try to drain it and nothing will come out,” he said. “It should not be drained. If you know what you are looking at, you know not to drain it. If you find it early and it is localized, most of the time it can be cured.” A virus called Merkel cell polyomavirus may play a role in causing most cases of the cancer, Kasper said. Just how this virus causes Merkel cell carcinoma is still unknown. When a biopsy shows Merkel cell carcinoma, doctors will remove the nodule, but also do radiation to completely get rid of cancerous tissue and reduce the chance of recurrence. There also will be a biopsy of the nearby lymph node and a full body PET scan to see if the cancer has spread to organs. Oncologists recommend immunotherapy if the Merkel cell carcinoma has spread or is inoperable. In 2019, the federal government approvedAlthough skin cancer is the most common cancer diagnosis is the U.S., most Americans fail to get checked regularly, according toin January of more than 2,000 people by Prevent Cancer Foundation. The survey found 70% of Americans 21 and older have not had a skin check in the past year. The three most common types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Anyone, regardless of skin color, can get these, although those with freckles, fair skin and light hair are most at risk. Basal cell carcinomas typically grow slowly and don’t spread to other areas of the body. But if this cancer isn’t treated, the cells can expand deeper and penetrate into nerves and bones. Squamous cell cancer usually is not life-threatening, but if not treated, can grow large or spread to other parts of the body. Melanoma is the most serious type of the more common skin cancers because it is most likely to grow and spread. Merkel cell carcinoma is is 40 times rarer than melanoma. Buffett, the “Margaritaville” singer and legendary Florida beach fan, had been battling it for four years.Legendary Jamaican singer, musician and songwriter Bob Marley died of a rare skin cancer when he was only 36 years old. He had acral lentiginous melanoma that appeared as a dark spot under his toenail. ALM typically develops under nails, on the soles of the feet or the palms of the hands and is the most common form of melanoma found in people of color. “If you have a spot that is evolving or changing rapidly over weeks or months have it checked out,” said Dr. Charles Dunn, a dermatology resident with ADCS Orlando Dermatology “You can get skin cancer in areas that are not even exposed to sun.” Dunn said with all skin cancers, but particularly with Merkel, “time is of the essence.” Early detection, he said, results in better survival statistics. The Miami Heat host the San Antonio Spurs in game six of the NBA Finals at American Airlines Arena. Late in the fourth quarter, Jimmy Buffett puts the magic touch on the actual game ball as Savannah Buffett holds the ball. The Miami Heat host the Brooklyn Nets at American Airlines Arena for game one of the Eastern Conference semi-finals on May 6, 2014. Miami super-fan Jimmy Buffett cheers as the Heat take a commanding lead in the 3rd quarter. A small but vocal crowd greet candidate Bill McBride and singer Jimmy Buffett during a final statewide campaign stop at Galaxy Aviation in West Palm Beach on Monday, Nov. 4th, 2002. After a short speech by McBride, the popular singer played a few songs for the crowd, including “Margaritaville”. A small but vocal crowd greet candidate Bill McBride and singer Jimmy Buffett during a final statewide campaign stop at Galaxy Aviation in West Palm Beach on Monday, Nov. 4th, 2002. After a short speech by McBride, the popular singer played a few songs for the crowd, including “Margaritaville”, including McBride and his wife, Alex Sink. The Miami Heat host the Boston Celtics at American Airlines Arena on January 21, 2014. Music legends Jimmy Buffett and Lionel Richie speak at halftime. Shane Battier poses for a photo with Jimmy Buffett on January 27, 2014. Buffett had just paid $25,000 for an empty champagne bottle signed by the entire Heat team. The champagne was consumed in the Heat’s locker room after last years title game seven. The Miami Heat host the Los Angeles Lakers at American Airlines Arena on January 23, 2014. Shane Battier and Jimmy Buffett talk after the game. A small but vocal crowd greet candidate Bill McBride and singer Jimmy Buffett during a final statewide campaign stop at Galaxy Aviation in West Palm Beach on Monday, Nov. 4th, 2002. After a short speech by McBride, the popular singer played a few songs for the crowd, including “Margaritaville”. Miami Heat fan Jimmy Buffett watches the Heat beat the New York Knicks, Friday, January 27, 2012, at AmericanAirlines Arena. Miami Heat fan Jimmy Buffett waits for the second quarter to start of Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals between the Heat and the Indiana Pacers, Wednesday, May 22, 2013, at AmericanAirlines Arena.
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