How does melanoma spread

The early symptoms of melanoma are not obvious and are often ignored by many people. Once the disease progresses, it will spread, causing the disease to become more malignant, which brings great trouble to patients and their families. Therefore, many patients are asking: What are the ways in which melanoma spreads? What causes the disease to spread? Let's take a look.

Melanoma is one of the fastest growing malignant tumors, with an annual growth rate of about 3 to 5 percent. The incidence rate in Caucasians is higher than that in other skin colors. The incidence rate in Asian countries such as China and Japan is low, but it is increasing rapidly. The disease is more common in people aged 30 to 60, with an average age of 45, and increases with age after 50.

Malignant melanoma spreads in four ways: ① Satellite nodules appear on the skin and mucous membranes. ② Malignant melanoma cancer cells enter the lymphatic system and grow, which is called lymphatic metastasis. In the chest, it is the parabronchial, hilar, and mediastinal lymph nodes; outside the chest, it is the supraclavicular, axillary, and upper abdominal lymph nodes. ③ Malignant melanoma cancer cells enter the blood system and grow, which is called hematogenous metastasis. It can grow in the lungs, liver, intestines, bones, brain, kidneys, spleen, etc. ④ Iatrogenic metastasis is when malignant melanoma cancer cells are implanted on the incision during Western medicine surgery, which is more common.

The etiology of malignant melanoma has been studied more in Caucasians, and it is mainly believed to be related to sunlight. The ultraviolet rays in sunlight burn the skin and induce gene mutations. The primary lesions of malignant melanoma patients in Asia and Africa are mostly located in places with little exposure to ultraviolet rays, such as the heels, palms, toes, and under the nails. The cause is still unclear. In my country, melanoma often occurs in areas that are rarely exposed to ultraviolet rays. The pathogenesis is unclear and is often related to improper treatment of moles, such as laser, freezing, salting, cutting, local excision, needle picking, puncture, and rope strangulation.

The above is a brief introduction to the four ways melanoma spreads. I believe that you will understand it after reading it. If you have any questions about the related ways of spread, please consult a doctor in time. Melanoma should be treated early, otherwise it will be more difficult to treat after it spreads. I hope you can treat your condition in time and don't give up.