Stage 4 melanoma: Survival rate, pictures, and treatment
As it spreads, stage 4 melanoma can be challenging to treat. Advanced forms of melanoma are the third leading cause of cancer spreading to the brain, after lung and breast cancer.
Melanoma occurs when the pigment-producing cells called melanocytes mutate and become cancerous. It can develop on any part of the body but is more likely to affect the chest, neck, back, and face. Melanoma is also common on the legs in women.
Survival rate
According to the American Cancer Society, the 5-year survival rate for stage 4 melanoma is 15–20 percent. This means that an estimated 15–20 percent of people with stage 4 melanoma will be alive 5 years after diagnosis.
Many different factors influence an individual’s chance of survival. Survival rates are estimates that use data from large group studies and do not take individual circumstances into account.
People’s age and their response to treatment can affect survival rates, as well as the availability of new treatment options.
Doctors previously considered advanced melanoma to be untreatable, but today the outlook has significantly improved.
People can do a few things to make it easier to cope with a stage 4 melanoma diagnosis, the treatment, and the post-treatment journey:
- Keep all follow-up appointments: It is vital to see a doctor frequently to discuss any side effects and check for new signs of melanoma. People with advanced-stage melanomas should have physical exams every 3–6 months for several years, even after completing treatment.
- Get emotional support: In addition to the physical burden of the disease, cancer can be stressful and emotionally distressing. Some people may have anxiety, while others experience feelings of denial, anger, and depression. It is crucial to speak openly about these feelings and seek help from loved ones, support groups, and therapists.
- Consult a nutrition expert or lifestyle counselor: Eating a healthful diet and increasing physical activity levels can smooth a person’s recovery and improve their long-term health.
Treatment can completely cure melanoma in many cases, especially when it has not spread extensively. However, melanoma can also recur.
It is natural to have questions about the treatment, its side effects, and the chances of cancer recurring. People with concerns should discuss them with a doctor who can offer advice that takes their medical history and overall health into account.
Outlook
Stage 4 melanoma is much more treatable today than it was a few decades ago. Monitoring moles and skin changes can help a person catch melanoma in the early stages and reduce the risk of it spreading.
People who do not respond to current treatments can also consider enrolling in clinical trials. These studies continue to look for new targeted drugs and combinations of treatments that can improve anti-cancer care and quality of life.
Anyone dealing with a stage 4 melanoma diagnosis should talk to a doctor frequently about their symptoms and reach out to loved ones and professionals for emotional support.
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