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Merkel Cell Carcinoma

Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare and aggressive skin cancer — there are approximately 150 to 300 new cases in the UK each year. It requires a specialist approach, and Mr Matthew Potter is one of a small number of surgeons in the UK with specific expertise in its surgical management.

Mr Potter is a member of the National CRUK panel for research and trials into improving skin cancer outcomes, and is part of the international Rational MCC study into improving outcomes specifically in Merkel cell carcinoma. Every Merkel cell carcinoma case he treats is discussed at Oxford’s multidisciplinary skin cancer meeting, with all scans reviewed by specialist consultant radiologists specific to that patient’s cancer.
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Why Mr Potter

National CRUK panel member — skin cancer research and trials

Part of international Rational MCC study

All cases reviewed at Oxford MDT skin cancer meeting

Specialist consultant radiologist review of all scans

PHIN patient satisfaction score: 99%

PHIN is an independent government audit of consultant patient outcomes, randomly sampling post-operative patients. A 99% satisfaction score places Mr Potter among the highest-rated plastic surgeons in the country.

Treatment Approach

Before any treatment decision is made, Mr Potter discusses every Merkel cell carcinoma case at Oxford’s multidisciplinary skin cancer meeting. Consultant radiologists review all staging scans specific to that patient’s cancer. This ensures the most appropriate and complete treatment plan is in place before proceeding.

Multidisciplinary assessment first

Where appropriate, Mr Potter advocates dual modality treatment — combining surgical excision of the tumour with surgical management of the draining lymph nodes, and radiotherapy to both the excision site and the lymph node basin. This approach addresses both the primary tumour and the most likely routes of spread simultaneously.

Specifically, treatment may include surgical excision of the tumour, sentinel lymph node biopsy to determine whether the cancer has spread to the regional nodes, completion dissection of the lymph node basin where appropriate, and radiotherapy to the excision site and draining lymph node region.

Dual modality treatment

Mr Potter will discuss treatment options following appropriate full staging of the disease with scans. The staging process, scan results, and their implications will all be explained clearly before any decision is made.

Staging and scans

What Patients Say

You are extremely approachable and are excellent in communicating vital information to me and my wife prior to surgery.
I like the calm way Mr Matthew Potter treats his patients-the unhurried assessment, the clear suggestions on the way forward-the diagrams to explain it more fully-then the actual procedure. He is professional yet friendly, and I had ever confidence in him whilst he was treating me. I would thoroughly recommend him to anyone, as I feel the way he deals with people is perfect.
Matthew Potter has been excellent in every way. He is clear in his explanations of the processes and procedures being undertaken and has exhibited a high level of holistic care concerning the wellbeing of his patient that has been very much appreciated. He has delivered in every way. I would highly recommend Matthew Potter as a plastic surgeon.
I would like to say thank you to you for the care and support i have received over the last 5 years, regards to you all

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Merkel cell carcinoma?

Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare but aggressive form of skin cancer affecting approximately 150 to 300 people in the UK each year. It requires specialist surgical management and, where appropriate, a combination of surgery and radiotherapy.

Mr Potter advocates dual modality treatment where appropriate — surgical excision of the tumour combined with management of the draining lymph nodes, and radiotherapy to the excision site and lymph node basin. The exact treatment plan depends on staging and is agreed at a multidisciplinary team meeting.

Yes. Every Merkel cell carcinoma case Mr Potter treats is discussed at Oxford’s multidisciplinary skin cancer meeting, with all scans reviewed by specialist consultant radiologists specific to that patient’s cancer.

Yes. Mr Potter is a member of the National CRUK panel for research and trials into improving skin cancer outcomes, and is part of the international Rational MCC study into improving outcomes in Merkel cell carcinoma specifically.

Mr Potter sees patients at the Manor Hospital in Oxford, Ridgeway Hospital in Swindon, Stratum Clinic in Wootton Oxfordshire, ProDerm in Cheltenham, and Interface Business Park in Royal Wootton Bassett. Complex cases are managed through Oxford’s specialist multidisciplinary team.

Book a Consultation

Contact us if you have any health concerns or are looking to get a consultation. You can contact Matthew Potter by using the form below or contact him through one of the available telephone numbers or email addresses listed on this page.

Private Secretary & All Correspondence

T. 07917 965717

Swindon - Ridgeway Hospital

T. 01793 814848

Cheltenham - ProDerm, Festival House

T. 0800 0489230

Oxfordshire - Stratum Clinic,
Wootton Business Park

T. 01865 320790

Wiltshire - Interface Business Park, Royal Wootton Bassett

T: 0808 2803560

Oxford - The Manor Hospital

T. 01865 307777

Contact Lissie on 07917 965717 or use the form below.