The five year survival rate for stage 4 metastatic melanoma is around 10%.
Radiation therapy is typically used for malignant melanoma patients in later stages of the disease (stage III or IV). It may be used to shrink tumors, relieve symptoms, or treat specific areas of metastasis.
For those with familial tendencies for malignant melanoma, genetic counseling may be appropriate. Psychological counseling may be appropriate for anyone having trouble coping with a potentially fatal disease.
Although these patients are clinically free of disease after undergoing primary treatment, they are more likely to have some microscopic disease in the body that studies have not yet been able to identify.
In patients with no signs of regional disease, depth of penetration of the primary tumor helps guide the decision.
Combination therapy may be an option. The regimen of DTIC + BCNU (carmustine) + cisplatin + tamoxifen delivers a response rate of 40%.
For those with familial tendencies for malignant melanoma, genetic counseling may be appropriate. Psychological counseling may be appropriate for anyone having trouble coping with a potentially fatal disease.
Treatment for those patients who present with or go on to develop systemic disease usually fails; melanoma that has metastasized to the brain is particularly difficult to treat.
Factors that create a predisposition to malignant melanoma include a family history of the disease, having fair skin that burns easily, a history of excessive sun exposure or sunburns, having numerous moles or atypical moles, and a weakened immune system. Additionally, individuals with a personal history of melanoma or other types of skin cancer are also at an increased risk.
Melanoma is a non-communicable disease and is not transmitted as an infectious disease is. It is the spreading of the disease.
If it could be ascertained that there was disease in the nodes, resection (removal) would be appropriate. However, if there was no disease, the risk of edema should be avoided.
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Bleeding and sensory changes in malignant melanoma usually occur in the later stages of the disease when the tumor has grown deep into the skin layers or metastasized to other parts of the body. These symptoms may indicate ulceration and nerve involvement, which require prompt medical attention and treatment.