Melanoma

Medical Treatment

Use drug therapy to slow, shrink, or control melanoma that has spread beyond the skin

• Immunotherapy · e.g. checkpoint inhibitor drugs such as pembrolizumab, nivolumab
• Targeted therapy for tumors with specific gene mutations · e.g. BRAF inhibitors, MEK inhibitors
• Chemotherapy in select advanced cases
• Regular imaging to track treatment response

Reserved mainly for advanced, recurrent, or metastatic melanoma; choice of drug depends on tumor genetics and staging

Surgical Treatment

Resolve condition when conservative options fail

Recommended after 6+ months of failed conservative treatment

Active Surveillance

Closely monitor very early or low-risk lesions and post-treatment patients for any change or recurrence

• Regular full-body skin examinations
• Periodic dermoscopy or mole mapping
• Patient self-checks between visits
• Follow-up imaging for higher-risk cases

Used mainly for early precursor lesions or after successful treatment, not as a substitute for treating confirmed invasive melanoma

Surgical Treatment

Remove the melanoma and check nearby lymph nodes to control and stage the disease

• Wide local excision of the primary lesion
• Sentinel lymph node biopsy for staging
• Reconstruction with skin graft or flap when needed
• Further lymph node dissection if nodes test positive

Typically the first-line approach for melanoma confined to the skin; international patients often plan to travel for the excision and biopsy together, then continue any follow-up therapy with their local care team

Radiation Therapy

Target melanoma in areas that are hard to remove surgically or to reduce symptoms from advanced disease

• External beam radiation to the tumor site
• Radiation to affected lymph node regions after surgery
• Palliative radiation for symptom relief in advanced disease

Generally used alongside surgery or drug therapy rather than as a stand-alone cure