How long does melanoma take to spread?

It varies: There are different kinds of melanoma and they grow at different rates. In all types, the deeper the melanoma grows in the skin, the more dangerous it is. Early detection is key, so have any lesions biopsied sooner rather than later. Learn more about abcd's at www.Melanomafoundation.Org.

Melanoma spread: There are different types of melanomas, and within each type the melanoma's depth which can range from non-invasive (only in the epidermis) to superficial in the dermis to deep in the dermis or deeper yet. It is the depth of the melanoma read by a pathologist that determines the likelihood of potential spread.

Varies: The tiime varies based on depth, number of mitosis, ulceration and whether blood vessels are invaded locally. According to the world health organization, only lesion greater than 6 mm are screened, although 25 per cent of melanomas are present at 2-5 mm in diameter. With newer s teeming methods, melafind, these wrapt small lesions can be diagnosed seeing survival hopefully higher.

Highly variable: There are aggressive fast-spreading cancers and there are slow-spreading cancers. An aggressive fast-spreading melanoma can metastasize even before it's visible on the skin. Some superficial slow-spreading melanomas may spread wide but not deep and may not invade the bloodstream for many months. The problem is there's no predicting how a melanoma is going to behave so early detection is key.

Varies: Each cancer is unique. Some cancer cells have the ability to metastasize very early in their development while other can be slower to metastasize.

Good question.: Melanoma is notoriously unpredictable. It can spread very early, sometimes without an identifiable source, and it can grow superficially for years without spreading. It can raise its ugly head even years after the primary is removed. Melanoma is the tumor that gives cancer a bad name.