Symptoms of metastatic melanoma

Metastatic melanoma is melanoma that has moved beyond its original site. A new firm lump under the skin, swollen lymph nodes, ongoing bone pain, or an unexplained cough can occur when different tissues are involved. Brain metastases may cause persistent headache, weakness, seizures, confusion, or changes in balance. These symptoms can also have other causes, so a symptom alone cannot establish spread.

A changing mole or new pigmented mark remains relevant even after earlier treatment. Tell the oncology or dermatology team about changes in the original skin area, nearby nodes, and general health.

Contact the clinician managing your melanoma promptly if a symptom is new, persistent, worsening, or unexplained. Keep a short record of when it began, how it changes, and any medicines you take. Assessment may include an examination, scans, blood tests, or a biopsy; the choice depends on the finding and your previous melanoma details.

Your team may discuss staging, surgery, or medicines that work throughout the body. Learn more about Melanoma, Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy, and Immunotherapy when those topics arise in your care.

Seek emergency help for a first seizure, sudden weakness on one side, new trouble speaking, severe confusion, fainting, severe breathlessness, or rapidly worsening headache with vomiting. These signs need urgent assessment because they can reflect a serious problem, including involvement of the brain or another acute illness.

Ask which symptoms should be reported immediately, what tests are appropriate for your symptoms, and how follow-up will be organised. You can also ask whether a new lump needs imaging or sampling, how treatment choices relate to the melanoma stage, and what side effects should prompt a call.