Metastatic Melanoma Symptoms

Melanoma is a malignant tumor, which originates from the melanocytes (the cells, which give color to the skin). The melanomas can arise in normal as well as pigmented skin. It is commonly found on the skin, but can also be found in the bowels and in the eye. Melanoma commonly occurs on the trunk in men and on arms and lower legs in women. Some families have a tendency of unusual moles, which may more frequently turn into melanoma than other normal moles. Such people are more at risk, hence should be careful and get themselves checked for metastatic melanoma symptoms well in time.

Causes of Metastatic Melanoma
According to statistics, 20% of the malignant melanoma have their origin in moles. However, it is difficult to diagnose them as they look identical to moles. Repeated exposure to the blistering sun, especially in childhood, increases the chances of melanoma. Caucasians are more prone to to develop this melanoma. Heredity also has a role to play in this type of melanoma. People who’s parents, grandparents or siblings have suffered from melanoma, are at higher risk of melanoma, than others.

Metastatic Melanoma Symptoms
Melanoma very typically originates in the upper layer of the skin, but it often has a tendency to rapidly penetrate, deep into the layers of the skin. It then spreads rapidly through the bloodstream or lymphatic system. The most common areas to be affected with metastatic melanoma are skin, lungs, brain, liver and bones. The symptoms of metastatic melanoma are:

• The first and most important of signs of metastatic melanoma is any change in size, shape or color of any mole or any other skin growth, like a birth mark. You will have to watch for these changes, consistently over a period of time.
• The melanoma at first appears like a flat or a slightly raised growth. It may display a variety of colors ranging from black, brown to gray, pink, white or blue.
• The edges of these melanoma are often poorly outlined and may merge into the surrounding normal skin. The shape of these melanoma is normally asymmetrical.
• In some cases, the melanoma may bleed, itch, ooze or also may feel sore. However, in some cases, it may not show any symptoms at all.

It is essential to be able to distinguish between a normal mole and metastatic melanoma. Dermatologists have developed a rule called as the 'ABCDE rule', so as to evaluate the skin and differentiate between a mole and melanoma. Lets understand what the ABCDE rule is.

A
It stands for asymmetry. In simple terms the two sides of the mole will not match one another.
B
The ‘B’ stands for border irregularity. The borders of the melanoma are ragged, blurred or notched.
C
‘C’ in the ABCDE rule signifies color. The pigmentation on the melanoma is not uniform. There can be variation in color from one end to the other end. This is an early melanoma metastasis symptoms.
D
It denotes diameter. The size of the melanoma is larger than 6 mm or approximately the size of a pencil eraser.
E
E stands for evolution. The melanoma undergoes a lot of changes, ranging from its size to shape, surface, color of mole and symptoms. You may want to read more on melanoma skin cancer.

The later metastatic melanoma symptoms are:

• Skin breakage, bleeding from the mole or colored skin lesions, accompanied by pain.
• Swollen lymph nodes in groin or in the armpits area.
• Thickening under the skin or a colorless lump.
• Among the other symptoms are unexplained weight loss, headache, chronic cough and seizures

Metastatic Melanoma Treatment
Treatment of metastatic melanoma depends on the location and extent of metastasis. The treatment methods used usually involve surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and immunotherapy. Majority of the melanoma patients are treated by surgery. It works when the tumor is small and is in the initial stage as then, it is often curable with surgery. Medication is to be taken over a certain period of time and it depends on how the patient responds to the treatment. There are chances of patient having drug toxicity or side effects. Therefore, an important part of metastatic melanoma treatment is to check the patient for toxicity and side effect.

If you notice metastatic melanoma symptoms, do not waste any time and have yourself examined by your health care professional. In the early stages, it is often curable.