Newly Diagnosed? What You Should Know

If you or someone you know has recently been diagnosed with Merkel cell carcinoma you're probably thinking hard about what to do next. Educating yourself about cancer and understanding the various treatment options that are explained on these pages is a good start. However, your most important decision is selecting where to get your cancer treated. 
 
Studies have shown that the first treatment you receive for cancer is by far the most important. That's why your first choice in a treatment center needs to be the right one. Patients who begin their treatment at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance often have better outcomes than those who started treatment elsewhere. Not only can you expect the best standard of care available, patients at SCCA have access to advanced therapies and treatments being explored in one of the clinical trials for skin cancer conducted at SCCA's parent organizations, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and UW Medicine.

Skin cancer patients, including those with Merkel cell carcinoma, are treated at the Multidisciplinary Skin Oncology Clinic at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance by a team of experienced physicians who are experts in surgery, medical oncology, radiation oncology, and dermatology.

This team is well known for providing innovative new treatments for melanoma and other skin cancers, including vaccine protocols, gene therapy, immunotherapy, and chemotherapy. They are assisted and supported by a nursing staff with extensive experience in taking care of the physical and emotional needs of skin cancer patients. Patients also have access to a social worker, a nutritional counselor, and a pain clinic.

At Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, our Merkel cell carcinoma specialists are among the best in the world and see patients at SCCA, University of Washington Medical Center, and Seattle Children's.

Supported by a nursing staff with extensive experience in taking care of the physical and emotional needs of skin cancer patients, SCCA patients also have access to a social worker, a nutritional counselor, and a pain clinic.