Metastatic melanoma is a form of cancer that begins in the cells that give skin its color (melanocytes). Melanoma can also begin in other pigmented tissues, such as the eye. Metastatic melanoma is much more likely to spread to other parts of the body than non-metastatic melanoma.
Most metastatic melanomas are caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds. People with fair skin, blue or green eyes, and red or blond hair are at highest risk for developing this type of cancer. However, anyone can develop melanoma, regardless of skin color.
If caught early, metastatic melanoma is treatable with surgery and/or radiation therapy. However, once it has spread to other parts of the body, it becomes much more difficult to treat effectively. The average survival time for people with metastatic melanoma is only six months to one year.
There are currently no effective treatments for metastatic melanoma beyond surgery and radiation therapy. Clinical trials are ongoing in an effort to find new and better treatments for this disease.