When melanoma spreads to the brain

Melanoma that starts in the skin can travel to distant organs, including the brain. A deposit may irritate brain tissue or cause swelling, which can lead to headache, seizure, weakness, confusion, speech difficulty, visual change, or poor balance. Some people have no symptoms and are diagnosed during planned imaging. These symptoms are not proof of spread because other neurological conditions can produce them.

The care team considers the brain scan alongside the skin examination, pathology, and scans of other parts of the body. The result helps determine whether local treatment, systemic treatment, symptom medicines, or a combination is suitable.

Tell your oncology team about any neurological change and bring details about its onset and pattern. Treatment may include surgery for a suitable lesion, focused radiation, immunotherapy, or other medicines selected by the specialist team. Medicines may also be used to control seizures or reduce swelling. Keep follow-up appointments so scans and symptoms can guide the next decision.

Call emergency services for a first seizure, a seizure that continues, sudden weakness or numbness, inability to speak, severe confusion, collapse, or a sudden severe headache. Repeated vomiting with a new neurological symptom also warrants urgent care. If symptoms are milder but progressively worsening, contact the oncology team without waiting for the next routine visit.

Ask what the imaging shows, whether there are lesions elsewhere, and which treatment goal is being pursued. Clarify likely side effects, seizure and driving advice, how response will be checked, and who to contact day or night if symptoms change.