Merkel Cell Carcinoma at Fred Hutch Cancer Center

Experts in Merkel Cell Carcinoma Care

At Fred Hutch Cancer Center, our team of experts cares for people with Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) every day. Your Fred Hutch MCC experts specialize in finding out the stage and specific features of your disease. Together, they will design a custom treatment plan to get the best possible outcome for you.

Our Skin Oncology Clinic provides all standard therapies for Merkel cell carcinoma. We know how to choose the right ones for you and how to deliver them to give you the best chance of a full recovery. Our physicians and researchers conduct clinical trials, also called clinical studies, which enable us to offer you therapies that aren’t available everywhere.

As part of our holistic approach, we’ll connect you with a group of world-class professionals for support, such as registered dietitians, physical therapists and psychologists. We integrate supportive care services into your cancer treatment.

Merkel Cell Carcinoma Information

MCC is a rare and aggressive form of skin cancer. A quick diagnosis and appropriate treatment are essential to cure this disease. 

Merkel Cell Carcinoma Symptoms

MCC usually appears as a lump that has grown rapidly on sun-exposed areas of the head, neck, arms or legs, but it can also appear in areas typically protected from the sun.

Merkel Cell Carcinoma Stages

Staging tells you and your physician how advanced your cancer is. It also directly informs treatment planning.

Merkel Cell Carcinoma Treatment

Our experienced physicians are well known for providing innovative MCC treatments, including immunotherapy, vaccines and gene therapy as well as surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. 

Merkel Cell Carcinoma Specialists at Fred Hutch

Meet your MCC care team at Fred Hutch, from dermatologists to supportive care specialists, all dedicated to your treatment.

Merkel Cell Carcinoma Research and Clinical Trials

Explore new breakthroughs from Fred Hutch researchers who are pioneering MCC treatments, clinical trials and more.

Locations for Merkel Cell Carcinoma Care

Find expert MCC care at Fred Hutch locations. Explore treatment options backed by compassionate, world-class oncology teams.

We know a cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming. Contact us for an appointment or second opinion.

Why Choose Fred Hutch for Merkel Cell Carcinoma Care?

At Fred Hutch we combine compassionate care with innovative research to address the impact of cancer and infectious disease. We’re driven by the urgency of our patients, the hope of our community and our passion for discovery to pursue scientific breakthroughs and healthier lives for every person. 

Merkel Cell Carcinoma News

All news
A rare skin cancer diagnosis requires a balancing act between suppressing and boosting the immune system Unique clinic devoted to cancer and organ transplant recipients establishes a new care model December 11, 2025
Dr. Shailender Bhatia receives the Lyn and Daniel Lerner Endowed Chair in Merkel Cell Carcinoma A family’s generosity will fuel the search for new ways to treat an aggressive skin cancer September 15, 2025
Skin in the game: Changing the story of Merkel cell carcinoma How the Nghiem Lab and its supporters are improving outcomes for patients with a rare cancer February 6, 2025
New biomarker could one day help tailor immunotherapy for Merkel cell carcinoma Helps explain why only certain MCC patients respond to immune checkpoint inhibitors, could point toward new strategies to improve treatment responses February 9, 2024