Lymph node melanoma
Melanoma is an extremely dangerous malignant tumor characterized by rapid metastasis and the possibility of an almost asymptomatic course over a long period of time.
In the event that the spread of the disease has not yet occurred and is limited only to the skin, melanoma is successfully treatable. However, if secondary lesions have already begun to grow into other organs, it is much more difficult to get rid of the neoplasm.
In about seventy-five percent of cases, metastases spread to the lymph nodes. This is usually typical for the last stages of the disease.
Diagnosis of melanoma metastases in lymph nodes
How to determine if melanoma has metastasized to the lymph nodes?
To begin with, you should pay attention to the external signs: weight loss, chronic fatigue, visual disturbances, changes in the lymph nodes of the armpits, groin and neck in size.
The following diagnostic methods are also used to confirm or exclude this disease:
- computed tomography;
- magnetic resonance imaging;
- lymphoscintigraphy;
- biopsy;
- blood test.
The earlier the diagnosis is carried out and the degree of damage to the lymph nodes is revealed, the more successful the treatment of the disease will be.
Treatment and prognosis for melanoma metastases in lymph nodes
Lymph node melanoma is prone to frequent relapses and aggressive course.
Therapy is prescribed individually, based on the stage of the disease and the general well-being of the patient.
The main method of treatment for melanoma metastases in lymph nodes is surgical. It is often performed using an electric knife or a laser scalpel: the operation is usually painstaking and complex. Such an intervention is the removal of subcutaneous fat with lymph nodes and blood vessels.
Radiation and chemotherapy are prescribed either in combination with surgical treatment, or with a supportive purpose when the intervention becomes impossible.
Very often, with lymph node melanoma, immunotherapy is used, the introduction of special biological drugs into the patient's body that activate the immune system to destroy malignant cells. If surgical intervention is not possible, this method serves as the main one.
