Former US President Jimmy carter’s Died at the age of 100, he was ill for a long time. He breathed his last at his home in Georgia. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in the year 2022. He had to face a special type of cancer in his life, which is called Metastatic Melanoma. Let’s try to understand what this disease is.
What is Metastatic Melanoma?
Metastatic melanoma, also known as stage IV melanoma, is an advanced form of skin cancer that occurs when melanoma cells spread from the primary tumor to another part of the body. This spread can occur through the lymphatic system or bloodstream, affecting distant organs such as the lungs, liver, brain, or bones.
Understand Melanoma
Melanoma originates in melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. While it usually develops on the skin, it can also occur in areas such as the eyes or mucous membranes. Early stage melanoma is usually confined to the skin and can often be treated effectively. However, once it has metastasized, treatment becomes more complex.
What is melanoma cancer?
Metastasis occurs when melanoma cells break away from the original tumor and invade nearby tissues or travel to distant sites. Certain factors such as tumor thickness, ulceration, and lymph node involvement increase the likelihood of metastasis.
of Metastatic Melanoma Symptoms may vary
It depends on which organ is affected in each person’s body. Some common symptoms are as follows:
1. Skin Changes:
The appearance of new lumps or lesions on the skin, often far from the original tumor.
2. Respiratory symptoms
If the lungs are affected, there may be a persistent cough or difficulty breathing.
3. Neurological symptoms
If this cancer spreads to the brain, headaches, seizures or memory problems may occur.
4. Liver problem
If this cancer spreads to the liver, jaundice or swelling in the stomach may occur.
Diagnosis and treatment:
CT is used in the diagnosis of this disease. Scan, MRI And P.E.T. Imaging tests such as scans, as well as biopsies of suspected metastases are used. Treatment options include:
1. Targeted therapy
Medicines that target specific CT scans in melanoma cells.
2. Immunotherapy
Medicines that boost the immune system to fight cancer.
3. Chemotherapy
Although chemotherapy is less common, it may still be used in some cases.
4. Surgery or radiation therapy
It is used to manage symptoms or certain metastases.
