CNN —Singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett, who died September 1, had Merkel cell carcinoma, a skin cancer that’s diagnosed in fewer than 3,000 people in the US every year. Merkel cell carcinoma happens when something makes them grow out of control. Merkel cell carcinoma typically shows up on a person’s face or neck or in other areas that are often exposed to the sun, like the arm. A Merkel cell carcinoma may be mistaken for a cyst, but cysts can be painful while these spots often are not. The American Cancer Society says cancer is detected in the lymph nodes of 1 in 3 people who have Merkel cell carcinoma.

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Persons: CNN — Singer, Jimmy Buffett, Merkel, Friedrich Merkel, don’t,  Merkel, Buffett, it’s, carcinoma, There’s, Dr, Sanjay Gupta, you’ll Organizations: CNN, US Center for Disease Control, American Cancer Society, National Cancer Institute, American Academy of Dermatology, CDC, CNN Health, American Academy of Pediatrics, US Dermatological Association, Environmental Locations: United States