Skin Cancer Additional Question

[auswien1180]

To Whom it May Concern:

I just wanted to ask if it is possible to spreak skin cancer (especially melanoma) into the body by scratching an infected area until it bleeds.  I was told that skin cancer cells can enter the body through the blood stream in this case and then infect other parts of the body, namely, internal organs.   Is this true?

Thanks a lot!

Sincerely,
George DeKornfeld


This discussion is related to SMALL RAISED RED BUMP ON HAND.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Melanoma is a malignant tumor of melanocytes which are found predominantly in skin. It occurs because of gene mutations that triggers changes in normal looking cells and they become atypical or dysplastic. Cutting open the melanoma does not spread the disease or acts as a portal of entry for the melanoma cells but it acts as a portal of entry for infection of the skin.
I hope it helps. Take care and regards.

[auswien1180]

Thanks for the reply.  If it can spread through the hematogenous route, then what stops it from spreading if the area of melanoma is cut open and bleeds.  What stops that from being a direct route into the body?  

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
There is nothing of such sort that scratching a melanoma spreads the malignancy. It can spread by hematogenous route or lymphatics to other parts of body and may present as secondaries. So staging os a malignancy is done to see the extent of its spread.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.