Home / Health / Stage 4 Melanoma at 28: A Young Woman's Battle
Stage 4 Melanoma at 28: A Young Woman's Battle
15 Jun
Summary
- Diagnosed with stage 4 melanoma at 28, despite no prior skin issues.
- Symptoms dismissed as constipation and a cyst initially.
- Underwent spinal surgery due to multiple fractures from tumors.
A 28-year-old woman was diagnosed with stage 4 melanoma in November 2025, a shocking revelation after her symptoms were initially dismissed. She experienced persistent back pain starting in August 2025, which doctors attributed to weight gain from her eating disorder treatment. Later, a neck lump was deemed a harmless cyst.
By October 2025, her stomach became severely swollen and hard, prompting her to seek urgent care. Doctors suspected a bowel obstruction, but an X-ray sent her home, with subsequent CT scans revealing metastatic disease and numerous tumors.
The diagnosis revealed ascites, a fluid buildup in the abdomen caused by cancer, from which seven liters were drained. She also had two compound fractures in her spine, explaining her severe back pain.
Initially treated with immunotherapy in late November 2025, she switched to chemotherapy in January 2026 due to a lack of response. Further spinal fractures led to surgery in February 2026 to stabilize her vertebrae, removing a large tumor.
Charlotte Fowler, now 29, from Perth, Australia, documents her ongoing battle with cancer on TikTok, aiming to raise awareness for melanoma and encourage others to trust their health instincts.
