What are the symptoms of melanoma?

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Symptoms of Melanoma: A Comprehensive Overview

Psychological and Behavioral Symptoms in Melanoma Patients

Melanoma patients often experience a range of psychological and behavioral symptoms that significantly impact their quality of life. Common symptoms include depression, anxiety, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and cognitive problems. These symptoms can occur before, during, and after treatment, affecting both uveal and cutaneous melanoma patients.

Physical Symptoms in Older Populations

In older populations, the presentation of melanoma symptoms can differ. Older patients (≥ 50 years) are less likely to report itching and changes in the elevation or color of their lesions. However, they are more likely to report ulceration of the lesion, which is associated with advanced disease and a poorer prognosis. This highlights the need for targeted strategies to improve early detection in older individuals.

Gastrointestinal Symptoms of Metastatic Melanoma

Melanoma can metastasize to the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, presenting with a variety of symptoms. These include abdominal pain, dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), small bowel obstruction, hematemesis (vomiting blood), and melena (black, tarry stools). Such symptoms may appear at the time of primary diagnosis or as the first sign of recurrence years later. Given the poor prognosis associated with GI metastases, early detection and management are crucial.

Symptoms of Primary Melanoma of the Cervix Uteri

Primary melanoma of the cervix uteri is a rare but aggressive form of melanoma. The most common symptoms include non-specific vaginal bleeding and discharge, predominantly affecting postmenopausal women. Despite early-stage diagnosis in many cases, the prognosis remains poor. Increased awareness and early detection are essential to improve outcomes for patients with this rare malignancy.

Conclusion

Melanoma presents with a wide range of symptoms that vary depending on the patient's age, the site of the melanoma, and whether it has metastasized. Psychological and behavioral symptoms such as depression and anxiety are common, while physical symptoms can range from changes in skin lesions to severe gastrointestinal issues. Understanding these symptoms and their variations is crucial for early detection and effective management of melanoma.