How long before melanoma metastasis

When caught in the early stages, melanoma is a very treatable form of skin cancer. Florida Medical Clinic is home to a skilled team of medical professionals who can identify and treat a wide variety of skin diseases.

A dermatologist can refer you to Dr. Michael Montuno , an expert in cutting edge skin cancer treatments like Mohs surgery. Patients referred to Dr. Virtual telemedicine visits are also available. A graduate of the University of Florida, Dr. Michael Montuno is a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon.

Montuno has extensive training and experience in the diagnosis and treatment of all forms of skin cancer. Disclaimer: This blog is not intended to substitute professional medical advice.

Always talk with your doctor before starting or stopping medications or treatments. Blog Home. View Profile. Author Michael Montuno, MD. Types of Melanoma There are many different types and subtypes of melanoma that can spread at different rates.

These types are usually grouped into three main categories: Cutaneous skin melanoma. Melanomas that occur on the skin. They can appear as moles, colorless bumps, or patches of dark skin. Some forms of cutaneous melanoma are very aggressive. Soong, and J. Balch, A. Houghton, A. Sober, S. Soong, M. Atkins, and J. Thompson, Eds. Louis, Mo, USA, 5th edition, View at: Google Scholar M.

Atkins, A. Hauschild, R. Wahl, and C. View at: Google Scholar F. Meier, S. Will, U. Ellwanger et al. Tejera-Vaquerizo, M. Barrera-Vigo, I.

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Download other formats More. Related articles. The very earliest melanomas stage 0 do not even extend past the top layer of the skin, the epidermis. If a tumor penetrates deeper, into the dermis, it is considered invasive stages I and II. On average, the estimated five-year survival rate for melanomas detected while still localized is very high: about 99 percent in the U. The chances of curing a melanoma drop sharply once it spreads, or metastasizes, beyond the original tumor site.

Normally, the first place a melanoma tumor metastasizes to is the lymph nodes, by literally draining melanoma cells into the lymphatic fluid, which carries the melanoma cells through the lymphatic channels to the nearest lymph node basin.

Lymphatic fluid is an important part of the immune system that bathes the tissues, and is responsible for carrying foreign invaders like bacteria to the lymph nodes, where these invaders are destroyed by the lymphocytes, the white blood cells. Unfortunately, when melanoma cells are carried to the lymph nodes, they can potentially be carried beyond the nodes to distant organs. It may appear as a new spot or as a change in an existing mole or freckle. If untreated, melanomas can spread to other parts of the body and may not be curable so it is important to see your doctor as soon as you notice any changes to your skin.

The biggest risk factor for developing a melanoma is exposure to ultraviolet UV radiation from the sun or artificial sources such as solariums which are now banned for commercial use in Australia. Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world.

Two in 3 Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer by the age of Excluding non-melanoma skin cancers, melanoma is the third most common cancer in Australia. It is most commonly diagnosed in people aged 55 and over. However, young adults, teenagers and even children can be affected. In fact, Australian adolescents have, by far, the highest incidence of malignant melanoma for their age group in the world.

Melanoma and other skin cancers generally develop from overexposure to UV radiation. Each time unprotected skin is exposed to UV radiation from the sun or artificial sources, changes take place in the structure of the cells.

Too much UV radiation causes the skin to become permanently damaged, which will worsen with each exposure. Skin cancer can grow when the cells that make up your skin are damaged, causing them to grow abnormally.

Every additional decade of overexposure to UV further increases your risk of skin cancer. Increased use of sun protection will help prevent skin cancer and melanoma at any age. All skin types can be damaged by exposure to UV radiation. People with skin types that are less likely to burn are still at risk of developing skin cancer although this risk is lower than for people with skin types that are more likely to burn.

People with one or more risk factors are at increased risk of melanoma. Risk factors for melanoma are:. The melanin in naturally very dark skin offers some protection against the damaging effects of UV radiation and lowers the risk of skin cancer.

However, when skin cancer is detected in people with naturally very dark skin, it is often found at a later, more dangerous stage when the risk of death is much higher. The first sign of flat melanoma is usually a new spot or an existing mole or freckle that changes in appearance. Some changes might include:. Melanoma can grow very quickly. It can become life-threatening in as little as 6 weeks and, if untreated, it can spread to other parts of the body.

Melanoma can appear on skin not normally exposed to the sun. Nodular melanoma is a highly dangerous form of melanoma that looks different from common melanomas. Nodular melanomas are raised and are even in colour often red or pink and some are brown or black. This type of melanoma grows quickly and can be life-threatening if not detected and removed quickly.

See your doctor immediately if you notice any of these changes. It's important to get to know your skin and what is normal for you, so you will notice any changes quickly.

Check all of your skin, not just sun-exposed areas. If you notice anything unusual, including any change in shape, colour or size of a spot, or the development of a new spot, visit your doctor immediately.