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Can optical melanoma spread to other parts of the body?
Melanomas are considered malignant lesions, meaning they invade the surrounding tissue and can spread to other parts of the body. Conjunctival melanomas are similar to skin melanomas in that they spread via the lymph nodes to lungs, liver, brain, bone, and skin. Uveal melanomas, such as choroidal melanoma, tend to spread through the blood and the primary site of metastasis is the liver. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are important in reducing the risk of metastasis. Even after treatment, patients should be checked on a regular basis by an experienced physician since metastases can occasionally be found years after treatment.
Answered by: Omar R. Chaudhary, MD
Answered: Jun 25, 2013
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