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About Michael Dean
Expertise
Can answer General information on the causes of cancer and cancer prevention. Information on current cancer research and breakthroughs. The genetics of cancer The risk of smoking for lung cancer and other cancers, as well as SIDS, heart disease, and vision loss. Cannot answer Specific medical questions

Experience
Cancer Researcher for over 20 years Author of the book "Empty Cribs-The impact of smoking on child health" www.artsciencepub.com. Author of over 200 scientific articles on cancer, genetics and human disease. Multiple interviews in print, TV and radio media.

Organizations
American Association for Cancer Research American Association of Human Genetics

Publications
Scientific journals (Science, Nature, NE Journal Medicine, etc.) Scientific American, Discovery Medicine, Nature Reviews in Cancer

Education/Credentials
PhD. in Biochemistry from Boston University School of Medicine

Awards and Honors
Young Investigator award-American Association of Cancer Research

You are here: Experts > Health/Fitness > Medical Specialists > Oncology (General Cancer) > merkel cell cancer

Oncology (General Cancer) - merkel cell cancer

Expert: Michael Dean - 11/6/2009

Question
My husband is 48 tears old, his mother who had a normal check up in February was diagnosed with Merkel cell 3 weeks ago.It started as a spot on her face that was removed while waiting for the biopsy she returned to work and during a normal task broke her ribs due to a lump on her lung.Since that time the doctor has found that she has cancer in her spine(in the bones),in her shoulders,on her liver and three lesions on her brain.The biggest is the size of an olive with fluid around it.The doctor at first said she was stage 3b but now says she is stage4.They started a 10 (business) day treatment of radiation yesterday and will reevaluate to see if chemotherapy will be beneficial.He says he hopes to get her through Thanksgiving at least but is also hopeful that she will have a couple months left with us.Are there any other treatments that may be beneficial?Her mother died of cancer,unknown type,my husband has had a non cancerous mass removed from his back,genetically speaking how much of a chance is there that he may get cancer?What about his son and daughter?Is the time frame for the spread in my mother in law normal?from everything I read Merkel cell is a skin cancer, is it possible she has a different type inside?

Answer
Dear Michele,

I'm sorry about your mother-in law. This is certainly difficult news.

Here is a link for more information:

http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Sites-Types/merkel-cell

Here is a link for clinical trials. There are some experimental therapies, that may be of interest:

http://www.cancer.gov/search/ResultsClinicalTrials.aspx?protocolsearchid=6968367...

There are no obvious familial syndromes involving this cancer, and your husbands non-malignant lesion is probably unrelated. But his physician should be told and he should probably see a dermatologist to get an exam and regular checkups, especially if he is fair skinned and had extensive sun exposure.

I hope this helps,

Michael

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