Metastases in melanoma
Melanoma is a skin cancer, one of the most malignant and aggressive tumors.
People with fair skin who are more sensitive to ultraviolet radiation are most often susceptible to this disease. First of all, melanoma is characterized by a tendency to relapse and rapid metastasis. Melanoma metastases spread throughout the body in a short period of time, affecting vital organs and systems. The spread of metastases can be contact (into neighboring tissues and organs), lymphogenic (through the lymphatic system) and hematogenous (through the bloodstream).
Symptoms and diagnosis
How do metastases manifest in melanoma? Perhaps this is the most frequently asked question about this disease.
First of all, it is worth paying attention to the condition of moles and birthmarks. The change in color, shape and size, the disappearance of a clear contour, the feeling of itching, bleeding — this is what should make anyone at risk of such an oncological disease think.
An increase in the size of lymph nodes in the armpits, neck, groin, and supraclavicular region are also signs of metastasis in melanoma.
If the pathology is not detected at an early stage, deterioration of well-being, weight loss, and fatigue are added to these signs.
The main diagnostic methods for melanoma metastases include:
- Positron emission tomography;
- radiography;
- magnetic resonance imaging;
- ultrasound examination;
- computed tomography;
- radioisotope research.
All these methods allow not only to determine the presence of metastases, but also to find out their number, degree of prevalence and organ damage.
It is also worth noting that with a diagnosis such as metastatic melanoma, it is not recommended to perform a biposition or puncture, to disrupt the integrity of the affected skin. This can lead to a more rapid development of the disease.
Treatment of metastatic melanoma
Depending on where the melanoma has metastasized, the patient is prescribed a certain type of treatment.
The most important thing in eliminating this disease is to remove the melanoma itself, block the spread of metastases and prevent recurrence.
Surgical intervention to remove the main focus of melanoma is usually performed in combination with chemotherapy and radio radiation. These treatments help to destroy the remaining cancer cells & secondary lesions in the body.
Another method of treating metastatic melanoma is immunotherapy. It activates the human immune system and helps the body fight the disease when surgery is impossible.
In the event that the disease was detected too late, the patient is prescribed palliative therapy. This method helps to alleviate the symptoms of melanoma and significantly improve the quality of life of the clinic guest.
