Where will melanoma metastasize to?

Where does melanoma metastasize to?

Melanoma can metastasize to the lymph nodes, liver, lungs, bones, brain, and other sites, as follows:

1. Lymph nodes

The skin is the first line of defense for the human body against foreign bodies, the bactericidal substances and phagocytes in body fluids are the second line of defense, and the lymphatic system is the third line of defense. Since most melanomas originate from the skin, and the lymphatic vessels in the skin are richer and denser than blood vessels, melanomas in the skin are prone to lymph node metastasis in the corresponding area.

2. Liver

Melanoma can spread through the lymph nodes into the blood and then into the bloodstream, possibly to the liver.

3. Lungs

The lungs are one of the common metastatic sites of melanoma, which metastasizes through the blood system. When metastases to the lungs, symptoms such as coughing and hemoptysis usually occur.

4. Bone

Melanoma is highly malignant and can metastasize to bones through the lymphatic and blood systems. Patients will experience symptoms of bone and joint pain, swelling, and mobility impairment, which can lead to pathological fractures in severe cases.

5. Brain

Melanoma can also metastasize to the brain through the lymphatic and blood systems, causing increased intracranial pressure and serious health hazards.

The overall prognosis after melanoma metastasis is poor. Patients should actively cooperate with doctors' treatment, maintain an optimistic attitude, improve their quality of life, and prolong their survival time.