MERKEL CELL CARCINOMA & DISABILITY BENEFITS

UNDERSTANDING MERKEL CELL CARCINOMA 

Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC) is a rare but aggressive form of skin cancer that develops in the outer layer of the skin. Merkel Cell Carcinoma is most commonly found in areas frequently exposed to sunlight, such as the face, head, and neck. It can develop on any part of the body. This includes regions that receive minimal sun exposure.

One of the most concerning aspects of Merkel Cell Carcinoma is its potential to metastasize. This means the cancer can spread to other parts of the body. When this occurs, MCC carries a higher mortality rate than even malignant melanoma. This makes early treatment of MCC crucial to survival.

In the United States, 3,000 new cases of Merkel Cell Carcinoma are found each year. While this number is low compared to other types of skin cancer, MCC’s aggressive nature makes it a serious health problem. Incidence rates have been rising in recent years. This is likely due to improved testing and increased awareness. Merkel Cell Carcinoma affects individuals over the age of 50, though it can occur at any age. Statistically, men are slightly more likely than women to develop this aggressive cancer.

HOW TO APPLY FOR SSDI AND SSI BENEFITS FOR MERKEL CELL CARCINOMA

Applying for disability benefits can be a difficult process, especially if you have Merkel Cell Carcinoma. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to make the Social Security Disability application process easier.

First, you can apply for SSDI and SSI benefits on the Social Security’s website. There, you will have the ability to fill out the SSA’s application. You can easily answer the SSA’s questions online. If you don’t have access to a computer, then you can call the Social Security Administration’s toll free number at 800.772.1213. They can help you start your application over the phone.

Additionally, the SSA can send you a paper application in the mail. Then, you can fill out your application by hand.  You can also download the application forms from SSA’s website. Finally, you can go into the local SSA office to complete forms. But, you will need to make an appointment. The SSA no longer provides services to people who walk in to their offices.

Finally, the application experts at our law firm can help you complete your application for SSDI and SSI benefits. We can also help you complete any appeal forms that you may receive later in the process. Hiring an attorney at the outset of your case is a smart idea. We have years of experience filling out SSA’s complex paperwork. Trust us. You want it done right from the beginning.

HIRE OUR SSD LAW FIRM TO WIN DISABILITY BENEFITS FOR MCC

Merkel Cell Carcinoma is linked to a virus called the Merkel cell polyomavirus, which is found in roughly eighty percent of MCC cases. While this virus is common in the general population, it rarely causes Merkel Cell Carcinoma. That only happens when additional risk factors are present. Those factors are immune suppression or extensive sun exposure. Additionally, individuals with fair skin and extensive sun exposure are at higher risk of developing MCC.

For those struggling with Merkel Cell Carcinoma, winning Social Security Disability benefits can provide much needed relief. If you need to replace your income with  benefits, then contact our SSD law firm today. We offer a free review of the merits of your claim. Even better, there is no attorney fee unless you win SSD benefits. Learn about attorney fees in SSD cases.

HOW DOES THE DOCTOR DIAGNOSE MERKEL CELL CARCINOMA?

Diagnosing Merkel Cell Carcinoma can be challenging, especially in its early stages. Doctors rely on a combination of physical exams, biopsy, and imaging studies to confirm the presence of MCC.

A sentinel lymph node biopsy is a critical tool to diagnose MCC. This procedure helps determine whether the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes. Additionally, chemical staining is used to identify Merkel Cell Carcinoma cells. The tests detect specific markers that indicate the presence of the disease. Blood tests, such as liver function tests, may also be done to assess whether the cancer has spread to internal organs.

Doctors often identify Merkel Cell Carcinoma through physical signs. A common symptom is the sudden appearance of a fast growing, painless nodule on the skin. These nodules are usually shiny and may be the color of skin. Sometimes, they may display shades of red, blue, or purple. Because MCC can mimic benign cysts or other skin conditions, early signs are often not noticed.

During a physical exam, doctors may observe a new skin lesion, an enlarged lymph node, or an enlarged liver. These findings can signal the presence of MCC or its spread to other areas of the body.

Treatment for MCC depends on the stage and location of the cancer. It also depends on whether it has spread. The most common treatments include removal of the primary tumor, lymph node surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.

Surgery is often the first step when treating MCC. Surgeons aim to remove the primary lesion and any nearby tissue that may contain cancer cells. If the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes, then you may require lymph node surgery.

Following surgery, radiation therapy can be done to destroy remaining cancer cells. Radiation can also reduce the risk of recurrence. This treatment is particularly effective for MCC that has spread to nearby lymph nodes or other areas.

Chemotherapy is typically used as a treatment for patients with advanced MCC. In these cases, chemo is primarily used to slow the progress of the disease and improve your quality of life. While chemo may not provide a cure for late stage Merkal Cell Carcinoma, it can help manage symptoms and prolong your life.

IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT MERKEL CELL CARCINOMA

FAST GROWTH RATE AND AGGRESSIVE NATURE

MCC is known for its fast growth rate. Tumors can double in size within weeks, making MCC one of the most aggressive types of skin cancer. Because MCC spreads quickly, early diagnosis and immediate treatment are critical to better survival rates. If the cancer spreads to the lymph nodes and other parts of the body, it will be much harder to treat.

SEASONAL PEAK

Research has shown that MCC diagnoses tend to peak during spring and summer. This may be because people spend more time outdoors, increasing their sun exposure. Additionally, individuals are more likely to notice new skin changes or unusual lumps when wearing lighter clothing. Therefore, remember to perform regular skin checks, especially before and after the summer months.

PREVIOUS CANCER CREATES HIGHER RISK

Individuals who have previously had other cancers, especially melanoma or blood cancers like leukemia, have a higher risk of developing MCC. This increased risk may be due to a weak immune systems or the effects of prior cancer treatments. Those with a history of cancer should pay close attention to any new skin changes and consult their doctor if concerns arise.

SURVIVAL RATES VARY SIGNIFICANTLY

The outlook for Merkel Cell Carcinoma patients largely depends on how early the cancer is detected. When caught in its earliest stages, MCC has a relatively positive outcome. However, once the cancer has spread to distant parts of the body, the five year survival rate drops to less than twenty percent. This sharp contrast highlights the urgency of early diagnosis and prompt medical intervention.

THERE IS POTENTIAL FOR MCC TO RETURN

Even after successful treatment, Merkel Cell Carcinoma carries a high risk of coming back. Almost forty percent of patients experience a return of the cancer. This often occurs within the first two years after treatment. Because of this possibility, you must have regular appointments with your doctor. Your doctor will perform skin checks and do imaging studies. These tests are essential to monitor for signs of cancer. It will also ensure that you have access to any new developments to treat MCC.

MERKEL CELL CARCINOMA IS A COMPASSIONATE ALLOWANCE

Due to its aggressive nature and poor outcome in advanced stages, Merkel Cell Carcinoma qualifies for the SSA’s Compassionate Allowance program. This program speeds up the disability claims process for those with severe medical conditions that meet SSA’s criteria.

When filing for SSD benefits for Merkel Cell Carcinoma, you may experience a faster processing time under the Compassionate Allowance program. This is crucial for those facing the physical, emotional, and financial challenges that accompany Merkel Cell Carcinoma.

MERKEL CELL CARCINOMA MEETS LISTING 13.03

The SSA recognizes Merkel Cell Carcinoma under Listing 13.03. Listing 13.03 describes skin cancer with metastases or unresectable lesions. Meeting this listing requires medical evidence which shows your MCC has spread beyond the primary site or cannot be surgically removed. The listing makes the award of SSD benefits easier. You can review the elements of the listing below:

Listing 13.03 Skin Cancer.

A. Sarcoma or carcinoma with metastases to or beyond the regional lymph nodes.

OR

B. Carcinoma invading deep extradermal structures (for example, skeletal muscle, cartilage, or bone).

If you submit medical evidence that shows you meet the listing, then you will win SSD benefits. The SSA disability program ensures that those who are dealing with Merkel Cell Carcinoma have financial support as they focus on treatment.

WHAT OUR SSD LAW FIRM DOES FOR YOU

If you have Merkel Cell Carcinoma, then you do not need to apply for Social Security benefits by yourself. You can always call our law firm. We can help you file your application. Also, we can help you appeal every SSA denial. For example, our attorneys and staff can:

• Send you the paperwork you need to become our client
• Help you file your application for SSDI and SSI benefits
• Inform the SSA they should pay your benefits under the Compassionate Allowance Rules
• Request review if you receive an initial denial
• Help you confirm your SSA doctor exam
• Request a Hearing with an Administrative Law Judge
• Prepare you to testify at your ALJ hearing
• Represent you at your hearing and question the expert witnesses
• Read about job experts at the ALJ hearing
• Learn about medical expert testimony
• Request review of a decision with the Appeals Council
• Request review of an Appeals Council denial in Federal Court

If you file your application for benefits on Social Security’s website, then you have 6 months to complete it. Once you submit your application online, the SSA sends you an application summary in the mail. You must sign the summary and mail it back. If you don’t send it back, then the SSA will not process your application. Sign it and send it back as soon as you can. Benefits are tied to the date you apply. Therefore, every day you wait to apply is a day you lose money.

HIRE US FOR OUR YEARS OF SSD LEGAL EXPERIENCE

The SSA benefits application and appeal process can be long and complex. It certainly won’t be easier to deal with the SSA if you have Merkel Cell Carcinoma. Hire the best SSD law firm to give you legal advice. We will walk you through the application process. In the past 30 years, we have won millions of dollars in benefits for our clients.

If you want to win benefits, then hire an attorney with the legal experience to win your case. We do not charge you any up front fee when you become our client. Then, you only pay us an attorney fee when you win SSD benefits. If you don’t win, then you don’t pay an attorney fee. Learn how attorney fees work in SSD cases. For legal help, contact us.

If you want to learn about our lawyers and staff, then review our About Us page. For example, you can learn about Andria Summers, who has decades of experience working at our firm. She can also help you choose your Medicare advantage plan. She has also won thousands of SSDI and SSI cases.

Additionally, Dianna Cannon has been helping her clients win benefits for over thirty years. Ms. Cannon has over 30 years of Federal Court experience. Brett Bunkall also has years of legal experience helping people win SSI and SSDI benefits. We are Social Security law experts. You can trust us to help you win your benefits. We will also try to make this difficult process easy for you.

WE OFFER A FREE REVIEW OF YOUR SSD BENEFITS

If you need help filing for SSDI and SSI benefits due to Merkel Cell Carcinoma, then call our law firm. Take the first step. All you need to do is reach out to our legal team.

Additionally, we offer a free review of your case. What that means is that you can call us and explain your situation. At that point, we will look at the merits of your case for free. Also, we will let you know what your chances are in terms of winning benefits. We do not charge you for our review of your case. In the past 30 years, we have won over $100 million in SSDI and SSI benefits for our clients. We are experts. Let us put our legal knowledge to work for you. Hire us to be your Social Security legal team.

We help clients win benefits in many states, including Nevada, Utah, Idaho, and California. Find out how to apply for benefits in your state:

• California SSDI and SSI benefits
• Colorado SSDI and SSI benefit information
• Idaho SSDI and SSI benefits
• Nevada SSDI and SSI benefits
• Utah SSDI and SSI benefits

No matter where you live, we want to be your legal team and help you win benefits. Hire the best Social Security legal team with no money down. There will be no attorney fee unless we win your case. Contact us today. We will do our best to help you win SSDI and SSI benefits for Merkel Cell Carcinoma. Finally, we will also due our best to win your benefits as quickly as possible. If you have any questions about the Social Security process, call us. Let us help you today.