Signs and symptoms of advanced melanoma
On this page
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What are the signs and symptoms of advanced melanoma?
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Melanoma that has spread to distant lymph nodes
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Melanoma that has spread to the skin
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Melanoma that has spread to the lungs
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Melanoma that has spread to the brain
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Melanoma that has spread to the liver
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Melanoma that has spread to the bones
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Melanoma that has spread to the digestive system
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General symptoms of advanced melanoma
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About our information
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How we can help
What are the signs and symptoms of advanced melanoma?
Advanced melanoma can cause different symptoms. This depends on where in the body melanoma has spread to. Some people may also have some general symptoms. If you are worried about advanced melanoma, it’s important to talk to your doctor or nurse and get advice.
Many of the following symptoms can be caused by less serious conditions. But if you have any of these, speak to your specialist doctor, nurse or GP straight away.
Related pages
Melanoma that has spread to distant lymph nodes
Melanoma may spread to lymph nodes far away from where the melanoma started. This is different to melanoma that has spread to lymph nodes nearby.
You may notice a lump and the lymph nodes may feel hard and swollen. Sometimes, they press on tissues or nerves nearby, causing pain.
Melanoma that has spread to the skin
Melanoma that spreads to areas of skin far away from the original melanoma appears as firm or hard lumps called nodules. Or there may be flat, grey or purple areas of skin. These lumps or areas may bleed.
Melanoma that has spread to the lungs
If melanoma spreads to the lungs, it may cause symptoms such as:
- breathlessness
- a cough
- coughing up blood.
We have more information about the symptoms of secondary lung cancer.
Melanoma that has spread to the brain
Melanoma that has spread to the brain may cause headaches and sickness. These can be worse first thing in the morning. Other symptoms depend on the area of the brain affected. They may include numbness or weakness in a limb, or having a seizure (fit).
We have more information about the symptoms of secondary brain cancer.
Melanoma that has spread to the liver
Melanoma that has spread to the liver can cause:
- discomfort or pain in the liver area – the right side of the tummy, under the ribs
- sickness.
We have more information about the symptoms of secondary liver cancer.
Melanoma that has spread to the bones
If melanoma spreads to the bones, it can cause bone pain. We have more information about the symptoms of secondary bone cancer.
Secondary cancer in the bones of the spine can put pressure on the nerves of the spinal cord. This is called malignant spinal cord compression (MSCC). If you have symptoms of spinal cord compression, contact your doctor immediately as you may need urgent surgery or radiotherapy. Symptoms include:
- back or neck pain, which might feel like a band around your chest or tummy
- muscle weakness
- numbness and weakness in the legs
- problems controlling your bladder or bowels.
Melanoma that has spread to the digestive system
If the melanoma spreads to the digestive system, it can cause:
- pain in the tummy (abdomen)
- constipation or diarrhoea for no obvious reason
- sickness (vomiting)
- vomiting up blood
- blood in your poo (stools).
General symptoms of advanced melanoma
The general symptoms of advanced melanoma include:
- weight loss
- loss of appetite
- feeling very tired (fatigued).
We understand that showing any symptoms of possible advanced melanoma is worrying. The most important thing is to speak to your specialist doctor, nurse or GP as soon as possible. We're also here if you need someone to talk to. You can:
- Call the Macmillan Support Line for free on 0808 808 00 00.
- Chat to our specialists online.
Related pages
About our information
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References
Below is a sample of the sources used in our advanced melanoma information. If you would like more information about the sources we use, please contact us at cancerinformationteam@macmillan.org.uk
Keilholz U, Ascierto PA, Dummer R, et al. ESMO consensus conference recommendations on the management of metastatic melanoma: under the auspices of the ESMO Guidelines Committee. Annals of Oncology. 2020. 31 (11): 1435-1448 [accessed May 2022].
Peach H, Board R, Cook M, et al. Current role of sentinel lymph node biopsy in the management of cutaneous melanoma: A UK consensus statement. Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery. 2020; 73, 1, 36-42 [accessed May 2022].
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Reviewers
This information has been written, revised and edited by Macmillan Cancer Support’s Cancer Information Development team. It has been reviewed by expert medical and health professionals and people living with cancer. It has been approved by Senior Medical Editor, Dr Samra Turajlic, Consultant Medical Oncologist.
Our cancer information has been awarded the PIF TICK. Created by the Patient Information Forum, this quality mark shows we meet PIF’s 10 criteria for trustworthy health information.
The language we use
We want everyone affected by cancer to feel our information is written for them.
We want our information to be as clear as possible. To do this, we try to:
- use plain English
- explain medical words
- use short sentences
- use illustrations to explain text
- structure the information clearly
- make sure important points are clear.
We use gender-inclusive language and talk to our readers as ‘you’ so that everyone feels included. Where clinically necessary we use the terms ‘men’ and ‘women’ or ‘male’ and ‘female’. For example, we do so when talking about parts of the body or mentioning statistics or research about who is affected.
You can read more about how we produce our information here.
Date reviewed
Our cancer information meets the PIF TICK quality mark.
This means it is easy to use, up-to-date and based on the latest evidence. Learn more about how we produce our information.
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