Can melanoma spread to the brain?

Melanoma can spread, or metastasize, to the brain, states Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Malignant melanoma is among the most common types of tumors to spread to the brain, with evidence of the disease appearing in the brains of more than half of the people in whom melanoma has metastasized.

Cancer cells spread to the brain when they break away from the primary tumor and travel via the blood or lymphatic system to other parts of the body, explains Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Symptoms of brain metastases may include headaches, seizures and motor problems. Speech and comprehension issues, vision problems, and weakness or numbness in various areas of the body may also occur.