The information on this page was reviewed and approved by
Maurie Markman, MD, President, Medicine & Science at CTCA.
This page was updated on November 5, 2020.
Melanoma is a cancer that forms in melanocytes, the skin cells that produce a brown pigment known as melanin. These are the cells that darken when exposed to the sun, a protective response to shield the deeper layers of the skin from the harmful effects of UV rays. But, unlike other forms of skin cancer, melanoma may develop in parts of the body not normally exposed to sunlight, such as the groin or bottoms of the feet. It may also form in the eye.
Melanoma is a complex disease, so it is important to work with experienced cancer doctors who are trained and up to date on today’s technologies and treatments. At Cancer Treatment Centers of America® (CTCA), our oncologists have experience with the growing array of precision cancer treatments for the disease, including immunotherapy and targeted therapy. Your CTCA® care team will explain your options and design an individualized plan based on your specific needs. We also offer evidence-informed supportive care services to help you manage treatment-related side effects.
Treatment options for melanoma are usually based on the stage and location of your cancer. Early-stage melanoma is often treated with surgery alone, but advanced melanoma generally requires surgery in combination with other treatments. Our melanoma program offers precision cancer treatments, such as targeted therapy and immunotherapy, as well as radiation therapy, surgery and chemotherapy.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy, either alone or in combination with other treatments, may be recommended for patients with metastatic melanoma that has spread to distant parts of the body. In cases when melanoma tumors are found on an extremity, such as a leg or arm, your doctor may recommend isolated limb infusion to administer chemotherapy directly to the affected limb, to treat the tumor and help prevent the chemotherapy from traveling elsewhere in the body.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy drugs may be used as a first-line treatment for melanoma, either by themselves or in combination with treatments such as chemotherapy and surgery.
Radiation therapy
Radiation therapy may be used for patients with advanced disease.
Surgery
Surgery is the primary treatment for localized melanoma and also may be a treatment option for metastatic disease.
Targeted therapy
Certain targeted therapy drugs have been approved to treat metastatic melanoma that cannot be removed with surgery.
Treatment for melanoma may cause side effects, such as weight loss, fatigue and nausea. Your care team may recommend supportive care therapies to combat side effects, help you stay on track with your treatments support your quality of life. Supportive care therapies for melanoma may include:
Every patient has the option of meeting with a registered dietitian.
Learn More
Melanoma occurs when the body cannot repair DNA damage to skin cells called melanocytes, allowing the cells to divide and grow uncontrollably, forming a tumor. DNA damage in melanocytes may be linked to a variety of factors, including genetics and skin type. But most cases of the disease are caused by overexposure to UV light produced by the sun or tanning beds. Melanoma may appear as a dark spot or wound that does not heal, or one that grows, changes shape or bleeds.
Melanoma is more likely than other types of skin cancer to spread to the lymph nodes or metastasize to other parts of the body. The disease accounts for about 1 percent of the skin cancer cases diagnosed each year, but it is also responsible for most deaths caused by skin cancer. Viewed separately from the other forms of skin cancer, melanoma is the fifth most common cancer in the United States, with more than 91,270 cases diagnosed each year. While the risk of the disease increases with age, it also occurs in younger people and is among the more common cancers in young adults.
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