Based on WHO | Is cough a symptom of melanoma, particularly if it has spread to the lungs?

Short Answer

Yes, a cough can be a symptom when melanoma has spread (metastasized) to the lungs. Lung metastases from melanoma may cause a persistent cough, coughing up blood, shortness of breath, chest pain, and sometimes fluid around the lungs (pleural effusion). ^{[1] [2]} These respiratory symptoms warrant prompt medical evaluation if there is a history of melanoma. ^{[1] [2]}

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Why Melanoma Can Cause Cough

When melanoma spreads through the bloodstream, it commonly travels to organs such as the lungs. Pulmonary metastases can irritate or obstruct airways, trigger inflammation, or cause fluid buildup, all of which can lead to coughing. ^[1] If fluid collects around the lungs (pleural effusion), people may feel shortness of breath or pain with deep breaths, and coughing can worsen. ^[1]

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Typical Lung-Related Symptoms of Metastatic Melanoma

• Persistent or new cough that doesn’t resolve. ^{[1] [2]}
• Coughing up blood (hemoptysis). ^{[1] [2]}
• Shortness of breath (dyspnea) or wheezing. ^{[1] [2]}
• Chest pain or discomfort. ^{[1] [2]}
• Pleural effusion causing breathlessness or pain with deep breathing. ^[1]

These features are not unique to melanoma and can occur with lung metastases from many cancers, but they are recognized warning signs in anyone with a cancer history. Having a prior cancer plus a persistent cough should prompt timely medical review. ^[1]

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How Common Is Lung Involvement in Melanoma?

Melanoma can spread to several organs, and the lungs are among the common sites. Pulmonary metastases are frequently found in advanced melanoma and may appear as solitary or multiple nodules on imaging. ^[3] CT scans are generally the most sensitive method for detecting these lesions in the lungs. ^[3]

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When to Seek Care

• If you have a history of melanoma and develop a persistent cough, coughing up blood, shortness of breath, or unexplained weight loss, contact a healthcare provider promptly. ^[1]
• Acute chest pain or severe breathlessness should be treated as urgent. ^[1]

Early assessment helps distinguish between benign causes (like infection or asthma) and possible metastatic disease, and guides appropriate testing and treatment.

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Evaluation and Tests

Clinicians typically consider:

• Chest imaging (X‑ray, usually followed by CT) to look for lung nodules, masses, or pleural fluid. ^[3]
• Further studies as needed, such as bronchoscopy or PET/CT, if imaging raises concern for airway involvement or to stage disease. ^[3]

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Treatment Overview

Management depends on the extent and location of lung metastases and overall health:

• Systemic therapies (targeted therapies or immunotherapies) are standard for metastatic melanoma and can help control lung lesions. Specific drug side effects can also include lung inflammation, which may cause cough; doctors monitor lung function during treatment. ^{[4] [5]}
• Local treatments (radiation, endoscopic procedures) may be used for airway obstruction or isolated lesions to relieve symptoms like cough or hemoptysis. ^[3]

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Key Takeaways

• A cough can be a symptom of melanoma that has spread to the lungs, especially if it is persistent or associated with blood, breathlessness, or chest pain. ^{[1] [2]}
• People with a melanoma history should seek evaluation for new or ongoing respiratory symptoms. ^[1]
• CT imaging is the most sensitive way to detect lung metastases from melanoma. ^[3]

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Quick Reference: Lung Symptoms Linked to Metastasis

Symptom	What it might indicate	Recommended action
Persistent cough	Airway irritation or metastatic lesion	Prompt clinical evaluation and chest imaging. [1]
Coughing up blood	Airway involvement or tumor bleeding	Urgent medical review. [1]
Shortness of breath	Lung nodules, airway obstruction, or pleural effusion	Seek timely assessment; possible imaging and oxygen support if severe. [1]
Chest pain	Tumor effect or pleural involvement	Medical evaluation; rule out pleural effusion. [1]
Pain with deep breaths	Pleural effusion	Imaging to confirm; may need drainage if large. [1]

If you have a history of melanoma and any of the above symptoms, contacting your clinician is advisable. ^{[1] [2]}