Melanoma is often misunderstood as ‘just’ skin cancer; however, it’s one of the most serious and potentially deadly forms of cancer. What makes melanoma especially dangerous is its ability to spread beyond the skin, sometimes even years after the original tumor has been removed. One of the most common and concerning places it can spread is the brain. In this blog, we’ll explore how and when melanoma can spread to the brain, what symptoms to watch for, and why ongoing surveillance is so essential. Whether you’re newly diagnosed, in remission, or supporting someone you care about, understanding the risks and staying informed can make all the difference.
Can Melanoma Spread to the Brain?
Yes, melanoma can spread to the brain, and when it does, it's referred to as brain metastasis, while the tumors caused by cancer cells spreading are called metastases. Melanoma is one of the cancers with a higher likelihood of spreading to the brain, particularly in more advanced stages. Up to 60 percent of patients with metastatic melanoma (Stage IV) will develop brain metastases at some point1,2. This occurs when melanoma cells break away from the original tumor and travel through the bloodstream or lymphatic system, eventually settling in brain tissue.
Signs Melanoma Has Spread to the Brain
Common Symptoms to Watch For
Brain metastasis can occur after many years of remission, so it’s important to be aware of the symptoms. Melanoma brain tumor symptoms can vary depending on the size and location of the tumor and include:
- Headaches
- Vomiting or nausea
- Seizures
- Memory or mood change
- Vision or speech difficulties
- Loss of balance
- Facial droop, generally associated with stroke
- Numbness or weakness on one side3
The Challenge of Subtle Symptoms
One of the challenges in detecting melanoma brain metastases is that symptoms can be subtle or completely absent in the early stages. Some tumors may grow quietly, causing no noticeable signs until they've reached a size that begins to interfere with brain function. Even then, the symptoms can be easily mistaken for everyday stress, fatigue, or side effects from previous treatment4.
This is particularly true for individuals in remission, who often attribute vague symptoms to recovery-related fatigue or anxiety. Unfortunately, this can delay diagnosis and treatment. Because of this, routine imaging such as MRI scans plays a critical role in catching brain metastases early, often before symptoms appear5. Early detection gives patients more treatment options and a better chance of managing the disease effectively.
How Fast Do Melanoma Brain Tumors Grow?
Melanoma brain tumors can grow rapidly, especially in later stages. Studies show that melanoma metastases double in size every 64 days on average, though growth rates can vary6. Because of differences in growth rate, the time it takes for brain metastases to become dangerous will be different for each individual, but this can happen in weeks or months4.
The potentially rapid growth of melanoma highlights the need for early detection. People with fewer metastases, where the cancer has had less chance to spread to further sites, have improved outcomes compared to those with multiple metastases7.
Survival Rates and Prognosis
What the Data Shows
Historically, individuals with brain metastasis from melanoma have a poor prognosis: in 2011, the overall survival time was 4 to 6 months7. However, new drugs, including immunotherapies like PD-1 inhibitors, have been shown to significantly extend survival8. Similarly, new surgical technical techniques, most notably stereotactic radiosurgery, can also improve survival. Combining these approaches9,10, alongside other novel therapies, has improved survival times to over 12 months on average11, and the 5-year survival rate for metastatic melanoma is now around 15 percent12.
Factors That Impact Prognosis
The outlook for patients with melanoma brain metastases depends on several key factors. One of the most significant is the number and size of tumors present in the brain7,14. Fewer and smaller metastases are generally easier to treat and may respond better to targeted therapies or radiosurgery compared to multiple, larger tumors, which are more complex to manage. Age and overall health also play a big role. Younger patients or those with fewer other medical issues often tolerate aggressive treatments better and may have more options available to them.
A commonly used marker for the presence of brain metastases is lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and patients with lower levels of LDH tend to have better outcomes. The stage at which brain metastases are detected can also impact survival, and early detection improves prognosis, efficacy of treatment, and enables a wider range of treatment options13.
Is Melanoma in the Brain Curable?
The question of whether malignant melanoma brain tumors are curable doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all answer. While a complete cure may not always be possible, long-term survival and disease control are becoming more achievable thanks to advances in treatment.
For example, stereotactic radiosurgery is a non-surgical form of radiotherapy used to treat brain tumours by delivering a single, high dose of radiation to a targeted area15. It is typically used for small tumours not located near critical brain structures, and its suitability depends on tumour size, location, and number. Immunotherapies, which seek to activate the body’s natural defenses to attack tumour cells, have also significantly increased long-term survival16.
Ongoing surveillance, such as regular MRI or CT scans, can improve long-term survival by ensuring early detection and keeping treatment options open.
Why Screening Is Essential Even in Melanoma Remission
Remission Doesn’t Mean Risk-Free
Reaching melanoma remission is a huge milestone, but it doesn’t always mean the journey is over. Melanoma brain metastases can appear months or even years after the original skin cancer has been removed, often without any warning signs. This delayed spread is one of the reasons why ongoing monitoring is so important, even when there’s no evidence of active disease. Recurrence can happen silently, especially in the brain, where tumors might grow undetected until symptoms become more obvious. Staying informed, keeping up with follow-up appointments, and advocating for routine imaging when appropriate can make all the difference in catching issues early, when they’re most manageable.
How Ezra Can Help
Ezra’s full-body MRI includes detailed imaging of the brain, without the use of radiation. If you are living with melanoma or in remission, getting a scan provides peace of mind and gives your care team a baseline for future comparisons, while early detection through imaging gives you more control and treatment options if anything changes.
Summary: Melanoma in the Brain
If you’re in remission or living with melanoma, know that you’re not alone and you’re not powerless. While brain metastases are a serious risk, modern imaging and treatments have opened the door to early detection and long-term disease control. Screening isn’t about expecting bad news—it’s about giving yourself the best shot at early action, when options are most effective. Whether you’ve just completed treatment or are years into remission, staying proactive with tools like regular MRIs can make a real difference in your journey.
If you’ve been treated for melanoma or are currently in remission, a full-body MRI from Ezra can help you stay proactive about your health. We scan for abnormalities in up to 13 organs, including the brain, with no radiation and AI-assisted accuracy. Peace of mind is just a scan away.
