The specific melanoma treatment your doctor recommends depends on the extent of the disease, your age and general health, and other factors. Several options are available, including surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiation therapy. There are side effects with each type of melanoma treatment, which your doctor will review with you. You may find it helpful to write down questions before your appointment or record what the doctor says.
Melanoma Treatment: An Overview
Melanoma can be cured if it is diagnosed and treated when the tumor is thin and has not deeply invaded the skin. However, if a melanoma is not removed at its early stages, cancer cells may grow downward from the skin surface and invade healthy tissue. When a melanoma becomes thick and deep, the disease often spreads to other parts of the body and is difficult to control.
Melanoma treatment will depend on:
- The extent of the disease
- The patient's age and general health
- Other factors.
The doctor can describe your treatment choices and discuss the expected results with each. Together, you and your doctor can develop a treatment plan that fits your needs. Choosing the most appropriate melanoma treatment is a decision that ideally involves the patient, the family, and the healthcare team.
Getting a Second Opinion About Melanoma Treatment
Before you have melanoma treatment, you might want a second opinion about the
melanoma diagnosis and treatment plan. Many insurance companies cover a second opinion if you or your doctor requests it. However, it may take some time and effort to gather medical records and arrange to see another doctor.
Usually, it is not a problem to take several weeks to get a second opinion, and in most cases, the delay will not make melanoma treatment less effective. However, you should discuss this delay with your doctor because people with melanoma may need treatment right away.
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