What is Stage IV Melanoma?

Stage IV melanoma has traveled beyond the original tumor site and beyond the regional lymph nodes to more distant areas of the body. The most common sites of metastasis for Stage IV melanoma are distant skin and lymph nodes, then lungs, liver, brain, bone, and/or intestines. The level of serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in the blood may or may not be elevated. The level of LDH is an important sign, as it usually indicates overall tumor burden and possibly how aggressive the tumor is-in other words, it usually indicates the amount of cancer in the body.
Just Diagnosed? If you've been recently diagnosed with melanoma, you are not alone. AIM at Melanoma offers resources for anyone with the disease to find support, ask questions, and connect with a community of people who are living with melanoma.
The information in this video is correct as of 15 May 2023.
For more information about melanoma or to ask Melissa a question, visit: www.aimatmelanoma.org/
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[@jenwhitehead4092]

If the combined bractovi and mektovi cause terrible side effects, is there another option for melanoma mastisis tumor in lymph node?

[@FromTheClinicToTheLivingroom]

Jen- please reach out to me and we talk about this- it's too involved for a comment without a conversation. www.aimatmelanoma.org/support-resources/talk-to-a-medical-expert/

[@Deviusroach]

My grandmother just had a biopsy on her heel showing she has melanoma. The black spot is about the size of a nickel with further discoloration going towards the bottom of the heel. She was told she will be recieving surgery first to remove the melanoma and then will receive a diagnosis on the stage. Is this normal?

[@FromTheClinicToTheLivingroom]

Please reach out to Melissa directly to discuss: www.aimatmelanoma.org/support-resources/talk-to-a-medical-expert/

[@FromTheClinicToTheLivingroom]

Yes surgery comes first - you can read more about melanoma staging here: www.aimatmelanoma.org/melanoma-101/how-melanoma-is-diagnosed/melanoma-staging/
please reach out via our website with any questions and we can help you.

[@Deviusroach]

@@jcldctt I'm so sorry that's happening to him, cancer is such an ugly disease