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Risk factors
By Mayo Clinic staffWhile there's no definite cause of Merkel cell carcinoma, a number of factors may increase your risk of developing this cancer:
- Natural or artificial sunlight. Being exposed to natural sunlight or artificial light, including tanning beds, increases your risk. The majority of Merkel cell carcinomas appear on skin surfaces frequently exposed to sun.
- A weakened immune system. People with weakened immune systems — including those with HIV infection or those taking drugs that suppress the immune response — are more likely to develop Merkel cell carcinoma.
- History of other skin cancers. Merkel cell carcinoma is associated with the development of other skin cancers, such as basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma.
- Age. Older people are at an increased risk of developing Merkel cell carcinoma, especially those older than age 70. Younger people who develop this cancer usually have weakened immune systems.
- Race. Merkel cell carcinoma usually arises in people who have light-colored skin. Whites are much more likely to be affected by this skin cancer than are blacks.
