Margaritaville musician Jimmy Buffett has died at 76
Jimmy Buffett, legendary singer and owner of the Margaritaville empire, has died at the age of 76.
Anastasia Riddle, USA TODAY
Jimmy Buffett died Friday after a four-year battle with Merkel's cell skin cancer.
As the musician continued to be treated for skin cancer, Buffett's last performance was a surprise 45-minute appearance on the Mac Mc McAnally Show in Portsmouth, Rhode Island on July 2, rousing the crowd to its feet. released in 2022, he appeared to have an undisclosed health issue when he was hospitalized and forced to cancel several shows.
The 76-year-old "died peacefully" at his home in Sag Harbor, Long Island, New York, according to his death statement. "He was surrounded by family, friends, music and dogs."
But what is Merkel cell skin cancer? What causes it and who is most at risk? Here's what you need to know about this rare skin condition.
'Live life like a song': Singer and Margaritaville mogul Jimmy Buffett has died
What is Merkel cell skin cancer?
According to the National Cancer Institute, Merkel cell skin cancer is a rare form of malignant (i.e. cancerous) skin cells. "Merkel cells are found in the top layer of skin," says the institute. 'These cells are found very close to the nerve endings that receive the sensation of touch.'
Merkel cell carcinoma, also called neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin or trabecular carcinoma, occurs when Merkel cells grow out of control. It usually starts on exposed areas of skin, especially on the head and neck, but also on the arms, legs, and torso.
Early-stage Merkel cell carcinoma tends to metastasize, "spreading first to nearby lymph nodes and then to lymph nodes or skin in distant parts of the body such as the lungs, brain, bones, or other organs." National Cancer Institute. .
More: The cause of Jimmy Buffett's death was skin cancer caused by Merkel cells, with which he fought for 4 years.
Who is at risk of developing Merkel cell skin cancer?
According to the National Cancer Institute, risk factors for developing Merkel cell carcinoma are age over 50, a male, or a white person. According to the Mayo Clinic, the risk of Merkel cell carcinoma increases with age, and although it's more common in people over 50, it can occur at any age.
According to the National, other risk factors include overexposure to natural sunlight, exposure to artificial sunlight from tanning beds or psoralen ultraviolet A (PUVA) therapy for psoriasis, a weakened immune system due to the disease, or a history of other cancers. Cancer Institute.
Merkel cell skin cancer is the second most common cause of skin cancer death after melanoma, affecting 3,000 Americans each year, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
What are the symptoms of Merkel cell skin cancer?
According to the National Cancer Institute, Merkel cell carcinoma usually appears as a fast-growing, painless, hard, domed or raised red or purple tumor on skin exposed to sunlight. This could be the first sign of a possible diagnosis of Merkel cell skin cancer.
According to the Mayo Clinic, "Most Merkel cell carcinomas appear on the face, head, or neck, but they can develop anywhere on the body, including areas not exposed to sunlight."
The Mayo Clinic recommends seeing a doctor if you notice a mole, freckle, or bump that changes in size, shape, or color, grows rapidly, or bleeds easily after washing or shaving.
Read more: Should you get screened for skin cancer? As summer approaches, here's what you need to know.
What causes Merkel cell skin cancer?
Although exposure is not a proven cause of Merkel cell carcinoma, it is considered a risk factor according to the Mayo Clinic.
"Researchers recently discovered that a common virus causes the majority of causes of Merkel cell carcinoma," said the Mayo Clinic. “The virus (Merkel cell polyomavirus) lives in the skin and does not cause any signs or symptoms. It is not yet known how this virus causes Merkel cell carcinoma. Because the virus is so widespread and Merkel cell carcinoma is so rare, other risk factors are likely. Some of them might even influence the development of this cancer."
How can I prevent skin cancer?
Tips for preventing skin cancer from the Mayo Clinic:
- Avoid the sun during peak hours, usually between 10am and 4pm.
- Protect your skin and eyes from ultraviolet (UV) rays by wearing hats, tight-fitting clothing, and sunglasses.
- Apply sunscreen generously and often, even when it's cloudy outside, using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Reapply every two hours, or more often if you swim or sweat.
- Be aware of skin changes.
'A handsome man is gone too soon': Jimmy Buffett remembered by Elton John, Paul McCartney and Brian Wilson
The Best of Jimmy Buffett: His Top 10 Songs, Including 'Margaritaville' & 'Come Monday'