Hi Helen,
After having treatment for melanoma diagnosed as Stage 3, I developed another Melanoma about a year later and am going through another set of treatments. As for the short time (4 weeks), it's possible it was there before and just not "ripe" enough to be noticed. In general, once diagnosed with Melanoma means more frequent check ups and possibly being more aggressive with diagnosis/treatment of any suspicious lesions.
Barb M
November 11, 2024
I'm sorry to hear about your husband's situation. Stage 4 melanoma means that the cancer has spread from the primary tumor to other parts of the body. Here are some key points about stage 4 melanoma:
- Metastasis: The cancer cells have spread to distant parts of the body, which can include other areas of the skin, lymph Show Full Answer
I'm sorry to hear about your husband's situation. Stage 4 melanoma means that the cancer has spread from the primary tumor to other parts of the body. Here are some key points about stage 4 melanoma:
- Metastasis: The cancer cells have spread to distant parts of the body, which can include other areas of the skin, lymph nodes, lungs, liver, intestines, and the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord).
- Symptoms: Depending on where the melanoma has spread, symptoms can vary. For example:
- Liver: Pain and swelling on the right side of the abdomen, jaundice, itchy skin.
- Brain: Headaches, memory problems, seizures, loss of ability to move arms and legs.
- Lungs: Chest pain, coughing (with or without blood), shortness of breath.
- Bones: Bone pain, fractures, high blood-calcium levels causing abdominal pain, dehydration, and confusion.
- Diagnosis: Doctors use various methods to diagnose stage 4 melanoma, including measuring lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels in the blood, which can indicate the extent and aggressiveness of the cancer.
It's important to discuss with your husband's doctor for a detailed understanding of his specific case and the treatment options available.
November 6, 2024
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