obsolete metastatic melanoma

Obsolete Metastatic Melanoma

Obsolete metastatic melanoma refers to an outdated term for a type of cancer that has spread from its primary site to another part of the body, specifically the skin (DOID:8387). This term is no longer used in modern medical practice.

• Definition: Obsolete metastatic non-cutaneous melanoma was a term used to describe a type of cancer that had spread beyond the skin and regional lymph nodes.
• Synonyms: The term "obsolete metastatic melanoma" is synonymous with other outdated terms for this condition, which are no longer used in medical practice.

According to [3], obsolete metastatic non-cutaneous melanoma was a term used to describe a type of cancer that had spread beyond the skin and regional lymph nodes. However, this term is no longer used in modern medical practice.

It's worth noting that the term "obsolete" refers to the fact that it is no longer used or accepted in current medical terminology. The more accurate and up-to-date terms for describing metastatic melanoma are now used instead.

References: [3] - Obsolete: true; Ontology: Human Disease (DOID:8387)

Metastatic Melanoma Signs and Symptoms

While metastatic melanoma is a serious condition, it's essential to note that the term "obsolete" refers to something that is no longer in use or relevant. However, I'll provide information on the signs and symptoms of metastatic melanoma, which may be helpful.

Classic Warning Signs and Symptoms

According to various sources [4][7], classic warning signs and symptoms of melanoma include:

• Any cutaneous lesion that changes color, size, or shape
• Persistent pruritus (itching)
• Ulceration or bleeding (later signs)

These symptoms can be indicative of metastatic melanoma, but it's crucial to note that they are not exclusive to this condition.

Metastatic Melanoma Symptoms

When metastatic melanoma spreads to other parts of the body, it can cause a range of symptoms [3][5]. These may include:

• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fatigue
• Cough
• Pain

These symptoms can be nonspecific and may not necessarily indicate metastatic melanoma.

Early Identification

It's essential to identify melanoma at an early stage, as it is more treatable [13]. However, in some cases, metastatic melanoma may develop without any signs of a primary tumor. If you're experiencing any unusual symptoms or have concerns about your health, consult a medical professional for proper evaluation and guidance.

References

[3] Metastatic melanoma may cause nonspecific paraneoplastic symptoms, including loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue. [4] Classic warning signs and symptoms of melanoma include any cutaneous lesion that changes color, size, or shape. Persistent pruritus is also a symptom. [5] Those with signs and symptoms of metastatic disease including cough, fatigue, and pain may be considered for PET and MRI imaging. [7] Darker or variable discoloration. Itching. An increase in size or the development of satellite lesions. Ulceration or bleeding (later signs). [13] Melanoma is more treatable at early stages, so early identification may prevent metastatic melanoma from developing.

Diagnostic Tests for Metastatic Melanoma

Metastatic melanoma, also known as advanced or stage IV melanoma, is a type of skin cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. Diagnosing metastatic melanoma requires a combination of physical examination, medical history, and various diagnostic tests.

Imaging Studies

• Computed Tomography (CT) scans: CT scans are used to check for metastases to other internal organs such as the lungs, liver, brain, or bones [2].
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): An MRI can detect the tumor and measure its size. It may also be ordered with contrast to show greater detail [3].

Lab Tests

• Blood tests: Blood tests are not used to diagnose melanoma but may be done before or during treatment, especially for more advanced melanomas. Doctors often test a person's blood for levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) before treatment [1].
• Immunohistochemistry (IHC): IHC is a test that uses antibodies to check for antigens or markers in the tissue sample that indicate the presence of cancer cells [4].

Other Tests

• Biopsy: A biopsy may be taken if there's evidence of a primary tumor. For this, a small section of suspected cancerous skin is removed with a razor, scalpel, or small punch tool. The removed tissue is examined under a microscope to determine the presence and type of cancer [10].
• Ultrasonography: One meta-analysis has shown that ultrasonography is the best imaging study to diagnose lymph node metastases in melanoma patients [7].

Precision Cancer Medicine

• DNA sequencing: Precision cancer medicine utilizes molecular diagnostic & genomic testing, including DNA sequencing, to identify cancer-driving abnormalities in a cancer's genome. This can help guide treatment decisions [13].

These diagnostic tests are essential for identifying metastatic melanoma and determining the stage of the disease. Early detection and accurate diagnosis are crucial for developing an effective treatment plan.

References: [1] - Blood tests aren't used to diagnose melanoma, but some tests may be done before or during treatment. [2] - CT scans are used to check for metastases to other internal organs such as the lungs, liver, brain, or bones. [3] - An MRI can detect the tumor and measure its size. It may also be ordered with contrast to show greater detail. [4] - IHC is a test that uses antibodies to check for antigens or markers in the tissue sample that indicate the presence of cancer cells. [7] - One meta-analysis has shown that ultrasonography is the best imaging study to diagnose lymph node metastases in melanoma patients. [10] - A biopsy may be taken if there's evidence of a primary tumor. [13] - Precision cancer medicine utilizes molecular diagnostic & genomic testing, including DNA sequencing.

Treatment Options for Obsolete Metastatic Melanoma

Obsolete metastatic melanoma refers to a stage of cancer where the disease has spread beyond its original site and is no longer considered curable with current treatments. However, there are still some treatment options available that can help manage the symptoms and improve quality of life.

Targeted Therapy Drugs

• BRAF Inhibitors: These drugs target specific genetic mutations in melanoma cells, such as BRAF V600E mutation. Examples include vemurafenib (Zelboraf) and dabrafenib (Tafinlar). [1][3]
• MEK Inhibitors: These drugs also target the MAPK signaling pathway, which is involved in cancer cell growth and survival. Examples include trametinib (Mekinist), cobimetinib (Cotellic), and binimetinib (Mektovi). [2]

Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors

• Ipilimumab (Yervoy): This drug works by blocking the CTLA-4 protein, which helps regulate the immune response. It can be effective for people with metastatic melanoma and stage III melanoma that cannot be removed completely with surgery. [8]

Other Treatment Options

• Dacarbazine: Despite its modest efficacy and lack of data for survival benefit, dacarbazine continues to be used as a treatment option for metastatic melanoma. [5]
• Pembrolizumab (Keytruda): This drug is a programed cell death-1 protein (PD-1) inhibitor that can be effective as first-line treatment for unresectable or metastatic melanoma. [6]

References

[1] - Context 9 [2] - Context 2 [3] - Context 9 [5] - Context 5 [6] - Context 6 [8] - Context 8

Differential Diagnosis of Metastatic Melanoma

Metastatic melanoma, a type of skin cancer that has spread to other parts of the body, can be challenging to diagnose due to its ability to mimic other tumor types. The differential diagnosis for metastatic melanoma includes various conditions that may present with similar symptoms and characteristics.

Possible Differential Diagnoses:

• Lymphoma: A type of blood cancer that can cause lymph node enlargement and systemic symptoms.
• Sarcomas: A group of rare cancers that affect soft tissue, bone, or cartilage.
• Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumor (PNET): A rare type of brain tumor that can also occur in other parts of the body.
• Synovial Sarcoma: A rare cancer that typically affects the joints and surrounding tissues.
• Metastatic Germ Cell Tumor with Somatic Transformation: A rare type of testicular cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.

Key Diagnostic Features:

• Histologic examination of surgical biopsies plays a major role in diagnosing primary cutaneous melanomas, but Fine-Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) is widely employed to confirm metastatic or recurrent lesions.
• Immunohistochemistry can often firmly establish melanocytic differentiation in the work-up of morphologically challenging malignant tumors.

Clinical Considerations:

• Patients with dedifferentiated metastatic melanoma are usually in their 60s to 70s, and the time lapse between the diagnosis of the primary melanoma and metastatic disease ranges from 3 months to 9 years.
• Most commonly, dedifferentiated melanoma metastases affect the lymph nodes.

References:

• [1] Metastasis (spread) of early melanoma is possible, but relatively rare; less than a fifth of melanomas diagnosed early become metastatic. (Source: Search Result 6)
• [2] The nuclei can be centrally located, eccentric, or occasionally scalloped with nuclear hyperchromasia and pleomorphism. Clear cell change may be focal or diffuse and can cause diagnostic confusion in primary melanoma in the absence of a junctional component or melanin pigment and in metastatic melanoma. (Source: Search Result 10)
• [3] Although histologic examination of the surgical biopsies plays a major role in the diagnosis of primary cutaneous melanomas, FNAC is widely employed to confirm metastatic or recurrent lesions, with a sensitivity and specificity of 96.3% and 98.9%, respectively. (Source: Search Result 11)
• [4] Melanoma is known for its histologic plasticity. It has been termed the “great mimicker” for its ability to resemble other tumor types, in particular sarcomas. This can create diagnostic challenges and can lead to misdiagnoses. (Source: Search Result 13)