Identifying and Understanding Metastatic Melanoma

Serving patients with a wide range of skin conditions in The Villages, FL, Dr. Thi Thien Nguyen Tran is dual board certified in dermatology and as a skin cancer surgeon. Public education is an important part of Dr. Thi Thien Nguyen Tran’s mission, and he supports efforts associated with Melanoma Awareness Month.

As reported by the American Cancer Society, skin cancer is the most common type of cancer. While melanoma makes up only one percent of skin cancer cases, it is the most serious form of the disease and can be fatal if left untreated.

That said, 5-year survival rates for early stage 1 and stage 2 melanomas are 99 percent, with this dropping to 66.2 percent for stage 3 melanoma and only 27.3 percent by stage 4. About 4 percent of melanoma cases are in the metastatic stage, where the cancer has spread to various parts of the skin and body. Among the common internally affected areas are the brain, lymph nodes, lungs, liver, and bones.

The positive news is that melanoma is often caught before it reaches the latter advanced stage, with new or changed moles the most common symptom to watch for. Through a professional consultation, these should be examined and monitored for shape, size, color, and symmetry changes.

By stage 4, melanoma symptoms center on bleeding skin ulcerations, as well as hard lumps on the skin, and lymph nodes that are swollen or hard. Because there are other various symptoms, from abdominal fluid buildup to jaundice, its essential to consult with an experienced physician as early as possible.