Beverly Hills, CA (352today.com) – Jimmy Buffett, best known for his huge hit, “Margaritaville,” passed away on Sept. 1 at his home in Beverly Hills surrounded by his family, friends, music and dogs. Jimmy was 76 and had suffered for four years from what we now know was Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), bringing more questions about this rare yet aggressive form of skin cancer.
MCC is also known as neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin, according to the Mayo Clinic. This cancer can grow very quickly and spread to other parts of the body including nearby lymph nodes. It can also metastasize to the brain, bones, liver and lungs. This particular carcinoma occurs in fewer than one in 150,000 people.
Jimmy Buffett relaxes with his pups. Photo: Facebook.com/JimmyBuffett
MCC usually appears as a single painless lump on sun-exposed skin, according to the National Cancer Institute. The lump is usually fast-growing, painless, and firm. It will be red or violet in color and could start out looking like a pimple that eventually becomes a cyst. The lumps can appear on the face, neck, arms, and legs, as well as other sun-exposed parts of the body, says the American Cancer Society.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), people most likely to get this form of cancer have all the following traits:
- Male
- 65 years of age or older
- Fair skin that may burn or freckle when exposed to the sun
- Seldom used sunscreen, clothing or shade to protect their skin from the sun
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) begins as a small red pimple and grows rapidly. Photo: Skin Cancer Foundation
Early detection and treatment are key, according to the Mayo Clinic. Protecting your skin from the sun and never tanning can help prevent a new MCC, adds the AAD.