Stage IV melanoma is what stage?

Written by Cui Fang Bo
Oncology
Updated on April 07, 2025
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Melanoma stage IV is stage 4, where IV is the Roman numeral for 4. Stage IV melanoma means that the melanoma is no longer confined to the site of origin and has metastasized to distant organs. Melanoma commonly originates in the skin and mucous membranes, with the most common sites of metastasis being the lymph nodes and lungs. Once melanoma reaches stage 4, the opportunity for curative surgery is lost. Treatment primarily involves immunotherapy, targeted molecular therapy, etc., and is incurable.

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Can melanoma without metastasis avoid chemotherapy?

For patients with melanoma that has not metastasized, direct surgical removal can be performed, and chemotherapy is not necessary after surgery. Melanoma is a malignant tumor that originates from melanocytes and can occur in many parts of the body, with melanomas of the skin and mucous membranes being the most common, accounting for about 70% of all cases. Once melanoma is diagnosed, if there is no distant metastasis to other organs, curative surgical removal can be performed. Postoperative treatment mainly involves immunotherapy, not systemic chemotherapy. For patients who are diagnosed with distant organ metastasis, systemic chemotherapy and immunotherapy are required.

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Melanoma lymphatic metastasis symptoms

If melanoma has metastasized to the lymph nodes, it can cause lymph node enlargement. At the same time, patients with melanoma may also experience persistent fever, leading to a decrease in the body's resistance and a drop in the level of blood cells. In such cases, it is recommended to undergo a detailed examination. If metastasis is detected, surgical treatment is advised, or consider using methods such as radiation therapy for treatment.

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How long does it take for melanoma to develop from early stage to advanced stage?

From what we observe now, in the early stages of illness, melanomas are typically found on the extremities such as hands, feet, the underside of feet, under fingernails, and particularly on the big toe. Initially, they might appear simply as a black spot or a lesion. About two to three years later, there might be swelling at the site of the lesion or black spot. Then, within another five to six months, it may ulcerate, indicating that the condition has worsened.

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Is melanoma flat or raised?

Melanoma generally is not flat, also known as malignant melanoma, which is a highly malignant cancer originating from melanocytes, commonly occurring in the skin. Men over the age of 60 are a high-risk group, with the most commonly affected areas being the lower limbs and feet, followed by the trunk, head and neck, or upper limbs. Symptoms mainly include rapidly growing melanotic nodules. Initially, normal skin becomes heavily pigmented, or pigmented moles darken and increase in pigment. The skin lesions continually enlarge and harden, accompanied by itching and pain. The lesions of melanoma may be raised, patchy, or nodular, and some may even resemble cauliflower.

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symptoms of melanoma bone metastasis

Once melanoma metastasizes, patients will experience significant pain, which will become increasingly severe and eventually unbearable. Having melanoma can also cause the bones to become brittle and prone to fractures and cracks. Once melanoma metastasizes, it also destroys the body's immune system, causing patients to suffer from long-term headaches and nausea, and making the body weaker.