How long does it take for melanoma to progress to the late stage?

Written by Cui Fang Bo
Oncology
Updated on May 11, 2025
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The time for melanoma to progress to an advanced stage is not fixed, and currently, the internal oncology community views melanoma as a highly malignant tumor that develops rapidly. Melanoma is a malignant tumor originating from melanocytes and can occur in multiple parts of the body, with the most common sites being the skin and mucous membranes, accounting for about 70%. Once diagnosed, patients with melanoma are still primarily considered for surgical treatment. For those who have undergone surgery, immunotherapy can be used for consolidation. For patients who are not candidates for surgery at the time of diagnosis, systemic treatments such as chemotherapy and immunotherapy are generally adopted to control the progression of the disease.

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Written by Yan Chun
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Does melanoma feel painful when pressed?

Melanoma is a highly malignant skin cancer, and clinically, some patients may experience pain when pressing on the lesion area. The reason for the pain is mainly due to the rapid growth of the melanoma, leading to compression of local tissues or the optic nerve and urgency, resulting in a painful sensation. This pain can exist even without pressing, and ulcerative lesions can occur in some affected areas, leading to symptoms such as pain, bleeding, and infection. In addition to pain upon local compression, patients with melanoma may also experience inflammatory changes such as redness, swelling, heat, and pain, causing some clinical symptoms of fever.

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Written by Sun Ming Yue
Medical Oncology
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Melanoma check what items

If patients suspect that they have melanoma, they must go to a qualified hospital for examination. The diagnosis of melanoma mainly relies on visual inspection of colored moles that vary in color and shape, which can be directly observed with the eye. Also, if previously existing moles have enlarged or changed shape recently, these are signs that we need to pay attention to. If patients are suspected of having melanoma after a diagnosis, it is recommended to perform a complete excisional biopsy of the lesion, followed by a pathological examination after the surgery.

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Can melanoma be detected by ultrasound?

Melanoma is a very serious disease, and if detected in its early stages, treatment should be sought promptly. If treatment is delayed, the effects of treating the disease in its advanced stages are not very good or significant. Melanoma is a type of malignant tumor that is prone to occurrence and poses a significant risk, endangering life. Generally, if melanoma is being tested, the Vacca double PAP immunoenzymatic marking method is used for detection.

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Written by Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
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Does melanoma protrude above the surface of the skin?

Melanoma is generally raised above the surface of the skin. Melanoma is a type of special malignant tumor with a high mortality rate. It usually arises from moles or pigmented spots on the skin that, after intense irritation or specific radiation exposure, undergo changes, leading to gradual growth. Early detection of melanoma offers a significant chance of cure. Melanoma is typically confined to the outer layer of the skin or epidermis. Once melanoma spreads, it becomes difficult to treat, and the chances of survival decrease. Therefore, if you suspect that you have melanoma, it is crucial to visit a dermatology department at a reputable hospital for diagnosis and to undergo surgical removal followed by a pathological examination.

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Melanoma brain metastasis symptoms

If there are symptoms of melanoma brain metastasis, patients generally display symptoms of increased intracranial pressure, typically manifesting as headaches accompanied by nausea, vomiting, papilledema, and localized neurological deficits. The tumor in the brain substantively invades the ventricles, easily causing symptoms such as hemiplegia, aphasia, and psychiatric symptoms in patients. If the melanoma occurs in the spinal cord, it can easily lead to segmental sensory and motor disturbances and subarachnoid hemorrhage of the spinal cord. If patients suddenly experience disturbances in consciousness or vomiting, some may develop brain herniation, which is very dangerous. It is recommended that patients seek timely treatment.