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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What are the symptoms of subungual melanoma?

Subungual melanoma, clinically, displays different symptoms depending on the stage. In its early stages, subungual melanoma primarily manifests as changes in nail color, with some cases showing localized thickening of the nail. As the melanoma progresses, abnormal secretions such as bloody or serous fluids may appear under the nail, and the nail itself may become uneven. As the subungual melanoma invades surrounding tissues, symptoms such as swelling, pain, or bleeding in the localized fingernail may occur. In advanced stages, symptoms of metastatic sites, such as coughing, chest pain, and chest tightness from lung metastases, can also manifest.

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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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Can melanoma be cured if it recurs?

In cases of recurrence, surgical treatment is still necessary, and it is best to choose a dermatology hospital with a good reputation for consultation. Follow the doctor's advice for treatment. Patients should pay more attention in their daily lives, avoid exposure to strong sunlight, and must quit smoking and drinking, as these can aggravate the condition. It is essential to eat more light meals and fruits, which are beneficial to the body.

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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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Melanoma originates from which tissue?

Melanoma does not originate from any specific tissue, but from melanocytes. Therefore, melanoma can occur in any tissue where melanocytes are present. The most common sites for melanoma are the skin and mucous membranes. Additionally, because melanocytes are widely present throughout the body, melanoma can also occur in hollow organs such as the gastrointestinal tract, in skeletal muscles, and in the nervous system. Once diagnosed, melanoma needs to be treated promptly. The main treatments include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.