Before beginning any type of treatment for skin cancer, especially a melanoma, the doctor must first make a definitive diagnosis and determine the stage of the cancer. This is because the treatment will largely depend on the stage of the cancer–meaning how deep the melanoma has grown and whether it has spread to other parts of the body. Certain treatments for melanoma may not be as effective if it has already spread to the lymph nodes or other organs in the body.

Treatment Options

Treatment will be carefully planned by a team of doctors and will consider a number of factors. These factors will include the age and health of the patient, as well as the extent of the cancer. The team of specialists formulating the treatment may include a dermatologist, medical oncologist, and surgeon.

Surgery is the most common or standard treatment for melanoma. However, it may also be used with chemotherapy or radiation, also recommended treatments for this type of skin cancer. If the melanoma has spread to other tissues and organs, for example, a combination of chemotherapy and radiation therapy will be more viable and effective than surgery alone.

Some patients who have been diagnosed with melanoma may wish to participate in a clinical trial Clinical trials can be a treatment option for certain cancer patients. These clinical trials involve a research study that is investigating a new treatment for cancer. Whether you are a good candidate for participation in a clinical trial –in which you may receive free treatment—depends on your cancer and your doctor’s opinion.

If you are in the stage during which you must determine your treatment plan, you may want to consult a second doctor for another opinion. This may be done in many cases just for good measure, but it may also be required of some patients by their insurance companies. Even if you have to wait a short period of time to receive a second opinion, it should not affect your treatment success. If you are required to seek a second opinion, contact a group such as the National Cancer Institute to find other qualified professionals in and around your area.