Metastatic Melanoma

Metastatic Melanoma, also known as Stage IV melanoma, is the general term for the spreading of melanoma into the lymph nodes and/or other parts of the body. Most often the liver, lungs and brain become affected. Even though the cancer cells have spread to other parts of the body, since the cells remain melanoma cells, this cancer is called metastatic melanoma. The term 'Metastatic Melanoma' is often used when melanoma of any kind (Cutaneous, Mucosal or Ocular) has spread to distant sites and/or to the body's organs. 

In addition, sometimes melanoma is not caught in the early stages, and instead, symptoms only become present once it is has already spread.  This makes melanoma detection almost impossible and treatment becomes much more crucial.    

Source: Dr. Lance Liotta Laboratory

The most dangerous aspect of melanoma is its ability, in later stages, to spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body. This most often includes the liver, lungs and brain.