Melanoma can control development of metastasis--Fact or myth?

Abstract

The malignant melanoma spreading process cannot explain occurrence of metastases several years following local surgical therapy of primary malignancy. But, this complex process of delayed metastases is still challenging and not completely understood. We hypotheses that melanoma metastases occur early in disease, probably at the same time with the occurrence of the primary melanoma. We suggest that dissemination of metastatic "seed cells" occur at an early stage of the disease together with the development of primary melanoma and cannot be detected by standard diagnostic methods. These cells are masked between healthy cells and have the potential to proceed in true metastasis following the activation triggered by signal from primary tumor or other source. Other possibility includes the existence of two different genes, one responsible for development of primary melanoma, and the other with a roll in development of metastases. We believe that future investigation should be directed toward better understanding of mechanisms involved in metastases development keeping in mind that melanoma behavior is irrational and defies logical thinking.