A SHOCKING time-lapse shows how a tiny red mark morphs into skin cancer. The video demonstrates how rapidly merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) develops over just six weeks. 3 Footage shows how a tiny red spot develops into skin cancer Credit: Fauquier ENT 3 It begins as something barely visible and grows into a large red lump Credit: Fauquier ENT The footage, made using AI, begins with normal skin.
A small red spot then quickly grows in size over the subsequent weeks, slowly progressing from stage one cancer to stage four. It ends up being raised, lumpy and a deep red-purple colour, measuring about 3in (8cm) wide. MCC is a fast-growing type of skin cancer, according to Cancer Research UK .
It starts in the Merkel cells, which are usually in the top layer of the skin. These cells are near the nerve endings and they help us respond to touch. Only about 1,500 people were diagnosed with MCC in England between 1999 and 2008, so it is very rare.
Like most other types of skin cancer , people are at increased risk of MCC from long-term exposure to the sun, the charity warns. Most read in Health 'DEVASTATING' Dozens of jobs set to be axed as Scottish factory to be mothballed DEAL BREAKER Rodgers bins youngster from Celtic plans over his refusal to sign new contract LET'S WAIT AWHILE Music legend postpones Glasgow Hydro gig on major comeback tour GROUNDED Boarded easyJet flight from Scots city cancelled just moments before takeoff But MCC develops much more quickly over weeks and months, befo.