Final answer:
Melanoma is a deadly skin cancer that originates from melanocytes, often presenting as asymmetrical brown or black patches. Merkel cell carcinoma, which begins in touch-responsive Merkel cells, is less common but also aggressive. Both require prompt treatment and exemplify the need for regular skin checks.
Step-by-step explanation:
Compare/Contrast: Merkel Cell Carcinoma vs Melanoma Both Merkel cell carcinoma and melanoma are types of skin cancer, each originating from different cells within the skin. Melanoma develops from melanocytes, which are pigment-producing cells located in the epidermis, responsible for making melanin that protects against UV light. It often starts from a mole and is considered highly metastatic, making it the most fatal form of skin cancer. Melanomas are identifiable by their asymmetrical brown and black patches with uneven borders and raised surfaces. In contrast, Merkel cell carcinoma is less familiar to many but is also aggressive and can metastasize. This cancer starts in Merkel cells, which are located in the epidermis and are connected to nerve endings, playing a role in the sense of touch. Despite these differences, both forms of cancer are serious and require medical attention, typically involving surgical excision and potentially other treatments such as immunotherapy. It's important to note that while melanoma is the rarest type of skin cancer it causes the most deaths due to its aggressive nature. Merkel cell carcinoma is even less common but can be similarly aggressive and both cancers underscore the importance of regular skin checks for early detection.