Introduction To Metastatic Melanoma: Symptoms, Causes, Outlook, Treatment e.t.c

Hello dear, I'm glad to write my first blog post on the treatment for Metastatic Melanoma.

What is Metastatic Melanoma ?
When you get the news that you have metastatic melanoma, it can be tough to take that in. Once you understand the condition, though, you may feel more ready to take it on.

"Metastatic" means that the melanoma, a form of skin cancer, has spread to one or more parts of your body. Although doctors can’t cure it, they can treat it. 

It starts in the cells that make melanin, the pigment that gives color to your skin. It can spread anywhere in the body, but it first tends to go to the lymph nodes (a network of glands that fight infection) near where it formed.

From there it can travel to organs like the brain, lungs, liver, and bones, as well as other areas of the skin -- including places far away from where it started (what doctors call the “primary site”). 

You may also hear it called “advanced” or “stage IV (four)” melanoma. 

What's the Outlook ?

Each person is different. Your doctor can give you a sense of what you can expect, based on things such as where your cancer is, how far it has spread, and how fast it’s growing.

With treatments and support, people with the disease are living longer and better. Several drugs have recently been approved -- the first in over a decade. Researchers are also working on new medications.

What are the causes of Metastatic Melanoma ?

The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays are the main cause. Artificial sunlight (such as from tanning beds) can also trigger it. UV radiation damages the DNA in skin cells, prompting them to multiply rapidly and become cancer.

Melanoma can happen after intense UV exposure (think of very bad sunburns), especially in people whose genes put them at risk for the disease. But it can also happen due to everyday UV exposure, without burning, over a long time.

Who can get Melanoma ?

Anyone can get melanoma, including people with dark skin. But it’s more likely if you're white, especially if you have light hair and eyes. 

You have a greater chance of getting melanoma:

• If you’ve had many blistering sunburns, especially as a child or teenager.
• If you have several large or many small moles, including beauty marks and brown blemishes.
• If moles which is unusual run in your family.
• If you or anyone in your family has already had any type of skin cancer.
• If your immune system is weak

What parts of the body does it affect ?
Melanoma is often found on the belly, back, head, or neck in men, and on the arms and legs in women. But it can happen anywhere on the skin, including places that you might not expect, like the palms of your hands, fingernails, the bottoms of your feet, scalp, and even the genitals.

Symptoms

Melanomas often resemble moles, and some develop from moles. Most are black or brown, but they can also be skin-colored, pink, red, purple, blue, or white.

Sometimes a change to an existing mole or to normal skin is the first warning sign of advanced melanoma. Other clues depend on where the cancer has spread to:

• Lymph nodes. They may feel hard, swollen, and painful.
• Skin. You may notice hardened lumps under your skin.
• Lungs. You may be breathless or have a cough that doesn’t get better.
• Liver. You may feel pain in the right side of your belly (under your lower right ribs) or not have your usual appetite.
•   Bones. You may feel an ache in your bones.

  Brain. Warning signs may include a headache that doesn’t go away, weakness or numbness in your arms or legs, seizures, and changes in your personality or mood.

What are other symptoms ?

Other symptoms can include unexpected weight loss, and feeling very tired or not well in general.

All of these symptoms can be caused by other conditions, so it’s important to see your doctor to find out what’s going on.

You'll need tests to find out if it's metastatic melanoma. If you are diagnosed, your doctor will immediately start to work with you on getting the best treatment for your particular case.

Getting Support

If you or a loved one has melanoma, reach out.  Your doctors, nurses, family, friends, and community will want to be there for you. Let them know how you're doing and what they can do for you.

It also helps to have someone to talk with about what you’re going through. Ask your doctor to recommend a counselor who works with people who have cancer.

You may also want to ask about support groups, where you can spend time with people who understand you because they’re facing the same challenges. 

The American Cancer Society’s web site can show you support programs and services in your area and online.