Understanding Advanced Melanoma: Key Facts About Stage Four Skin Cancer
This article explains the critical aspects of stage four melanoma, including symptoms, diagnosis, tumors, organ spread, and treatment options. It emphasizes the importance of early detection through self-examination and professional diagnosis, and discusses survival factors and treatment methods for advanced skin cancer. Stay informed to recognize signs early and seek appropriate medical care to improve outcomes.

Understanding Advanced Melanoma: Key Facts About Stage Four Skin Cancer
Stage four melanoma signifies the most advanced form of skin cancer, characterized by its spread beyond the skin to distant organs such as the lungs. Diagnosing this stage involves blood tests to assess liver function and blood counts, imaging scans and ultrasounds to identify metastasis, and biopsies for detailed examination. Patients may notice changes in skin color or mole shape, but other signs include swollen, hardened lymph nodes and internal organ symptoms like headaches or breathing difficulties. Treatment options encompass surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation, or targeted therapies, depending on disease progression.

Typically, stage four melanoma tumors are thicker, often around 4 millimeters, and may exhibit ulceration—breaks in the skin that indicate a more severe progression. Although ulceration reduces survival chances, tumor size can decrease with treatment. Self-examination is vital; look for asymmetrical moles, color changes, uneven borders, or growths roughly the size of an eraser. As the melanoma advances, it commonly spreads to vital organs, including the liver, brain, bones, or stomach. Symptoms vary with the affected organ, requiring prompt medical consultation for new or worsening signs. Treatment modalities include immunotherapy, targeted drugs, radiotherapy, surgery, and chemotherapy.