What are the symptoms of metastatic melanoma originating from the umbilicus (navel or belly button)?

From the Guidelines

Metastatic melanoma originating from the umbilicus (navel or belly button) can cause a variety of symptoms depending on the location and extent of the spread, including enlarged lymph nodes, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, loss of appetite, new pain, and symptoms related to specific organ involvement, such as shortness of breath, cough, headaches, seizures, abdominal pain, jaundice, bone pain, and new skin lesions. When considering the symptoms of metastatic melanoma, it is essential to recognize that the disease can spread to various parts of the body, including lymph nodes, lungs, brain, liver, bones, and skin 1.

Common Symptoms

• Enlarged lymph nodes near the original site, which may feel like firm, painless lumps under the skin
• Unexplained weight loss, fatigue, loss of appetite
• New pain in specific areas
• Shortness of breath or cough (lung metastases)
• Headaches, seizures, or neurological changes (brain metastases)
• Abdominal pain, yellowing of the skin (jaundice), or swelling (liver involvement)
• Bone pain, especially at night or with movement (bone metastases)
• New skin lesions elsewhere on the body (skin metastases) As highlighted in the NCCN Guidelines for Cutaneous Melanoma 1, early detection of metastatic disease is crucial for treatment planning, and any unusual or persistent symptoms should prompt immediate medical attention.

Organ-Specific Symptoms

• Lung metastases: shortness of breath, cough
• Brain metastases: headaches, seizures, neurological changes
• Liver involvement: abdominal pain, jaundice, swelling
• Bone metastases: bone pain, especially at night or with movement
• Skin metastases: new skin lesions elsewhere on the body It is critical to note that melanoma can spread quickly, and symptoms often develop gradually as cancer cells grow in new locations 1.

Importance of Early Detection

Early detection of metastatic disease is vital for treatment planning, and any unusual or persistent symptoms should prompt immediate medical attention 1.

From the Research

Symptoms of Metastatic Melanoma

The symptoms of metastatic melanoma originating from the umbilicus (navel or belly button) are not directly addressed in the provided studies. However, the studies do discuss the symptoms of metastatic melanoma in general, which may be relevant.

• Symptoms may include:
  • Abdominal pain 2, 3
  • Nausea and vomiting 2
  • Melena (black, tarry stools) or haematochezia (blood in stools) 2, 3
  • Weight loss 2, 3
  • Anaemia 2
  • Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) 3
  • Small bowel obstruction 3
  • Hematemesis (vomiting blood) 3
  • Anorexia, dizziness, and fatigue 3

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis of metastatic melanoma requires careful inspection of the mucosa for metastatic lesions and biopsy with special immunohistochemical stains 2, 3, 4. Management may include surgical resection, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, observation, or enrollment in clinical trials 3.

Prognosis

The prognosis for metastatic melanoma is generally poor, with a median survival of 4 to 6 months 3. Early detection is optimal for the efficacy of treatment and prognosis 5.