Treatment

Although melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer it can be treated successfully if caught early.

After you have been diagnosed with melanoma, your medical team will discuss the best treatment for you based on how far the melanoma has spread and other factors including your age and general health. The most common treatment for localized (early stage) melanoma is surgery. In the majority of cases this is the only treatment required.

Metastatic or advanced melanoma, where the cancer has spread to other parts of the skin, lymph nodes or internal organs, may require treatments such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy or immunotherapy. Treatments for advanced melanoma are improving all the time, and finding better treatment is a major research focus for Melanoma Institute Australia.

Treatments for melanoma include:

• Surgery
• Radiotherapy
• Chemotherapy
• Immunotherapy

You may have one of these treatments or a combination. Your doctor will advise you on the best treatment for your particular melanoma. Your doctor may also suggest you consider taking part in a clinical trial. Find out more about clinical trials

Waiting for test results and for treatment to begin can be difficult. While some people feel overwhelmed with information, others feel they don’t have enough. You need to make sure you understand enough about your illness, the treatment and side effects to make your own decisions.