What is metastatic melanoma?

When melanoma spreads (metastasizes), the symptoms may be vague. They will likely depend on where the melanoma has spread in the body. Symptoms may include:

• Fatigue.
• Swollen or painful lymph nodes, especially in the armpit or groin.
• A lump or thickening under the skin.
• Unexplained weight loss.
• Swelling or pain in your belly.
• Ongoing (chronic) cough or shortness of breath.
• Bone pain or fractures.
• Headaches.
• Seizures.

Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer because it grows so quickly. When it spreads (metastasizes) to other parts of the body, it's called metastatic melanoma. It usually spreads first into nearby lymph nodes before going to the liver, lungs, bone, or brain, or to skin in another part of the body.