Areas of Care

Melanoma

For melanoma, surgery, immunotherapy, and targeted therapies are coordinated as a personalized plan across our accredited network.

What is melanoma (skin cancer)?

Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer, arising from the melanocytes that give skin its color. It tends to spread faster than other skin cancers.

When caught early, it can largely be treated with surgery. That is why noticing changes in moles early is vital.

What are the types of melanoma?

Main types:

Superficial spreading melanoma

The most common type; spreads across the skin surface.

Nodular melanoma

A fast-growing, raised type.

Acral lentiginous melanoma

Occurs on the palms, soles, and nail areas.

Lentigo maligna melanoma

Occurs in sun-exposed areas in older adults.

Causes and risk factors

Main risk factors:

Excessive sun (UV) exposure and sunburns
Use of tanning beds
Fair skin, freckles, blond/red hair
Many moles or atypical moles
Family history of melanoma
A suppressed immune system

What are the symptoms of melanoma? (ABCDE rule)

The following changes in moles are warning signs:

A – Asymmetry: the two halves of the mole differ
B – Border: irregular, ragged edges
C – Color: color variation or change
D – Diameter: larger than 6 mm
E – Evolving: change in size, color, or shape over time
Moles that itch, bleed, or crust

What are the stages of melanoma?

Staging is based on tumor thickness (Breslow) and spread:

Stage 0–1

The melanoma is confined to the skin surface and thin. It largely heals with surgery.

Stage 2

The tumor has thickened but has not yet spread.

Stage 3

The cancer has spread to regional lymph nodes.

Stage 4

The cancer has spread to distant organs (lung, liver, brain).

How is melanoma diagnosed?

Diagnosis is confirmed by biopsy:

Dermoscopic skin examination
Removal of the suspicious mole with pathology (excisional biopsy)
Sentinel lymph node biopsy
Genetic/molecular tests when needed (BRAF)

Imaging methods in melanoma

For assessing spread:

Lymph node ultrasound
PET-CT (spread screening)
Brain MRI (when metastasis is suspected)
Chest-abdomen CT

Melanoma treatment methods

Surgery in early stage, systemic therapies in advanced disease:

Surgery

Wide removal of the tumor with safe margins.

Sentinel lymph node surgery

Assessing spread and removing lymph nodes if needed.

Immunotherapy

Highly effective results with checkpoint inhibitors in advanced disease.

Targeted therapy

BRAF/MEK inhibitors in BRAF-mutant tumors.

Radiotherapy

In selected cases and for brain metastases.

Every patient and every tumor is different

No single treatment is right for everyone; the best plan depends on your exact diagnosis, stage, and tumor characteristics. At National Cancer Alliance, we arrange a free second opinion from board-certified oncologists to review your case.

Prognosis and survival rates

Early diagnosis is the most important factor determining prognosis in melanoma. In early disease confined to the skin surface, 5-year survival is about 99%, falling with distant metastasis.

In recent years, advances in immunotherapy and targeted therapy have fundamentally improved survival in advanced melanoma. Thin melanomas are almost entirely treatable.

How to reduce melanoma risk

This cancer is largely preventable:

Avoiding direct exposure in strong sun (10:00–16:00)
Using high-factor sunscreen
Protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses
Avoiding tanning beds
Checking moles regularly and showing changes to a dermatologist

Frequently asked questions

Is every mole dangerous?

No. The vast majority of moles are harmless. What matters are moles that meet the ABCDE criteria or that change.

Does melanoma only occur in sun-exposed areas?

No. It can occur on the soles, under nails, and in non-sun-exposed areas; a full-body check is important.

Is thin melanoma dangerous?

Thin, early-caught melanomas can usually be treated with surgery alone and have an excellent prognosis.

Should I get a second opinion?

Immunotherapy and targeted options in advanced melanoma evolve rapidly; an independent review ensures the most current plan.

Ready for a plan built around you?

Start with a free, no-obligation second opinion from a board-certified oncologist. Have your case reviewed and every option explained clearly.

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This page provides general information about melanoma (skin cancer); it is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All treatments are provided by independent, accredited hospitals and licensed physicians. Your treatment decision should be made by a qualified physician based on your individual situation.