In the 50 % of  patients who produce antibodies to the MCC polyomavirus oncoprotein at

diagnosis,there is now a blood test to measure these antibodies upon follow-up visits.

                                Since about 40 % of MCC's recur,this blood test can be an early way to detect

metastasis(spreading internally)in otherwise asymptomatic patients who have these antibodies-

long before these "mets" show up on diagnostic testing.

                               The patient with MCC would have to ask his or her health care practitioner about

the availability of these tests which are done by specialized labs.