Metastatic melanoma – risks, treatments, and self-care tips
When melanoma (skin cancer) spreads to the other parts of the body, it is known as metastatic cancer. Typically, it attacks the body parts such as the liver, the lungs, the brain, the lymph nodes, and the tissues situated under the skin. Apart from changes to the skin, the condition is characterized by symptoms like swollen lymph nodes, unexplained weight loss, inflamed liver, headaches, hard lumps under the skin, bone pain, persistent cough, and loss of appetite.

What increases the risk of developing a melanoma?
In most cases, unprotected exposure to the sun is considered to be responsible for the development of melanoma. However, there are certain other factors that can amplify the risk, they are as follows:

• Indoor tanning using tanning beds, parlors, or lamps
• Having a lot of moles on the body
• Having a fair skin or freckles and light eyes and hair
• A family history of the disease
• Mutations in certain types of genes
• Inherited conditions like Li-Fraumeni syndrome, Werner syndrome, xeroderma pigmentosum, retinoblastoma, and hereditary forms of breast and ovarian cancer
• Being over the age of 40
• A weak immune system

What are the treatment options for metastatic melanoma?
Currently, metastatic melanoma treatments options include:

• Surgery (tumor and lymph node removal)
• Chemotherapy
• Targeted therapy
• Immunotherapy
• Radiation

Depending on the severity of the case, the doctor will use a combination of these treatment options for treating metastatic melanoma.

Are there any new treatments for metastatic melanoma?
At the moment, researchers are carrying out clinical trials to assess the effects of new treatments for metastatic melanoma. Patients can be a part of these trials, however, there’s no guarantee whether they’ll work or not. Participating patients should also speak to their respective specialist before committing to such trials to ensure safety.

The following are some of the new diagnostic measures, treatments and solutions that are been developed for melanoma:
• Reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM)
• Immune checkpoint inhibitors
• Melanoma vaccines
• Medications that specifically target cells with BRAF gene changes

What are some self-care tips to cope with metastatic melanoma?
Dealing with cancer that has metastasized can be extremely taxing, physically as well as mentally. In such challenging times, the affected patient or their loved ones can adopt the following self-care measures to tackle the disease in a better way:

• Support and communication – It is natural that people suffering from metastatic melanoma will experience feelings of frustration, anger, and hopelessness at some point during their treatment. During this period, they need immense support which can come in several forms such as family, friends, support groups, and therapists. The American Cancer Society and American Melanoma Foundation are some amazing resources to know more about support groups for skin cancer.
• Diet – Treatment options for metastatic melanoma can often have harsh side-effects on the body which can project episodes of severe exhaustion. Therefore, the patient needs to pay special attention to their diet so that they can get the right amount of energy to cope with the undesirable effects of the metastatic melanoma treatment. Lean meats, fiber-rich grains, healthy fat and carbohydrates, and fresh fruits and vegetables along with plenty of water can help improve their strength.
• Physical activity and rest – If one is constantly bugged with stress and anxiety, then indulging in a light physical activity can be a good idea. Yoga, light running, or brisk walks can refresh one’s state of mind. Having said that, rest also plays a critical factor in the recovery period. If sleep doesn’t come easy, one can try activities like writing or listening to music before going to bed to channel distracting thoughts.

Examining one’s body every once in a while can be of immense help. Any changes in the color, shape, and borders of the mole can be warning signs of its onset. If one finds anomalies on their skin, they should waste no time and see a doctor. Melanoma detected at an early stage can be treated successfully, giving patients a better rate of survival, as well as improved quality of life. Once the melanoma metastasizes, treatment options can take a considerable amount of time to show its effects.