Best Doctors for Melanoma Treatment in Hyderabad

A simplified staging of melanoma, according to Melanoma Specialists, is as follows:

• Stage 0 (Melanoma in situ): The melanoma is limited to the outermost layer of the skin and has not invaded deeper layers.
• Stage I: The tumour is still localized to the skin but has invaded beyond the outermost layer. It has not spread to nearby lymph nodes or distant organs.
• Stage II: The tumour is thicker than 2.0 mm but still localized to the skin. It has not spread to nearby lymph nodes or distant organs. Ulceration may or may not be present in this stage.
• Stage III: The melanoma has spread to nearby lymph nodes but has not reached distant organs.
• Stage IV: The melanoma has spread to distant organs or other body parts.

The speed at which melanoma spreads can vary from person to person and depends on various factors, and these include:

• Thickness and depth of the tumor
• Stage of Melanoma
• Ulceration - is associated with a higher risk of metastasis
• Immune system status
• Male gender
• Delayed diagnosis and treatment

Late-stage Melanoma symptoms may include: 

• Enlarged Lymph Nodes
• Pain, discomfort and itching in the affected region as the melanoma progresses
• Respiratory symptoms include coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain, or coughing up blood
• Bone pain or fractures if the melanoma spreads to the bones
• Weight loss and persistent tiredness and fatigue