Merkel Cell Carcinoma vs Melanoma

How to tell the difference — key features compared side by side.

Feature
Merkel Cell Carcinoma
Melanoma
Category
Malignant
Malignant
Key feature
Rare but highly aggressive. Appears as a painless, fast-growing, firm nodule - often flesh-colored or bluish-red.
The most dangerous skin cancer - but 99% survival when caught early. Learn the ABCDE signs.
Risk factors
Age over 50 (median age at diagnosis is 76); Chronic sun exposure on fair skin; Weakened immune system (transplant, HIV, chronic lymphocytic leukemia)
Fair skin, light eyes, red or blond hair (Fitzpatrick types I-II); History of blistering sunburns, especially before age 18; More than 50 ordinary moles on the body
Action needed
A rapidly growing, painless, firm nodule on sun-exposed skin
A new mole or spot that looks different from your other moles (the ugly duckling sign)

Merkel Cell Carcinoma

Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare and aggressive neuroendocrine skin cancer that develops in Merkel cells, which are sensory cells located near nerve endings in the skin. It is approximately 40 times rarer than melanoma but has a higher mortality rate stage-for-stage.

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Melanoma

Melanoma develops in melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin and give your skin its color. While it accounts for only about 1% of skin cancers, it causes most of skin cancer deaths. The good news: when detected at stage I, the five-year survival rate exceeds 99%.

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Does yours look more like merkel cell carcinoma?

Quick self-check

Does this look like merkel cell carcinoma? Answer 2 questions.

Is the nodule firm, dome-shaped, and painless?

Has it grown rapidly (weeks rather than months)?

Still not sure?

Our full ABCDE checker evaluates 5 clinical criteria dermatologists use.

Full ABCDE check →