The Hair Loss Encyclopedia
virus linked to rare skin cancer, Merkel cell carcinoma
Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCV or MCPyV) is a virus that has been linked to a rare and aggressive form of skin cancer known as Merkel cell carcinoma. Discovered in 2008, this virus is found in the majority of Merkel cell carcinoma tumors, suggesting a strong association between the virus and the development of this cancer.