Metastatic melanoma incidence
Metastatic melanoma (melanoma that has spread elsewhere in the body) has become more common in the United States in recent decades. This is due to a steep rise in the number of malignant melanoma cases (malignant melanoma being the early stage of the disease that gives rise to metastatic melanoma).
In fact, the incidence of malignant melanoma amongst white people has more than tripled in the past two decades.
Consequently, it’s been estimated that in 2009, 68,720 Americans (29,640 women and 39,080 men) developed invasive cutaneous melanoma. Meanwhile, there were an estimated additional 53,120 cases of melanoma in situ.
As a result, melanoma is now the 6th most common cancer in the country.
Fortunately, a large majority of these cases are cured thanks to surgery. However, advanced and metastatic melanoma will develop in about 10% of them.
Where is the disease most likely to spread to? More than any other cancer, metastatic melanoma has the ability to reach almost any part of the body.
However, it is more likely to reach some areas than others. The following data provides information on where it is most likely to go.
- Lymph nodes: 70% to 75%
- Other areas of the skin, fat and muscle: 65% to 70%
- Lungs and area between the lungs: 70% to 87%
- Liver and gallbladder: 54% to 77%
- Brain: 36% to 54%
- Bone: 23% to 49%
- Gastrointestinal tract: 26% to 58%
- Heart: 40% to 45%
- Pancreas: 38% to 53%
- Adrenal glands: 36% to 54%
- Kidneys: 35% to 48%
- Spleen: 30%
- Thyroid: 25% to 39%
To avoid metastatic melanoma in the first place, early detection of malignant melanoma is key. After all, if the disease is caught early, there is a very good chance a person will be cured - thereby avoiding the poor prognosis for those who's disease has spread.
