Melanoma Treatment: Options for Skin Cancer Care

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized guidance and treatment.

What is melanoma and how does it start?

Melanoma begins when melanocytes acquire genetic changes that cause uncontrolled growth. It most often appears as a new mole or a change in an existing mole, but can also develop on sun-protected skin. The risk is higher after significant UV exposure, especially severe sunburns in childhood, and in people with many moles or a family history of melanoma. Understanding where a lesion sits in the skin and whether it has invaded deeper layers is essential for determining treatment and prognosis.

How are skin lesions evaluated and diagnosed?

Evaluation starts with a clinical skin exam and often dermoscopy, which helps distinguish suspicious lesions. The definitive diagnosis requires a biopsy—either an excisional biopsy removing the lesion with a margin or an incisional biopsy when removal isn’t feasible. Pathology reports describe depth (Breslow thickness), ulceration, and mitotic rate; these features guide staging. Imaging or sentinel lymph node assessment may be recommended for intermediate or advanced stages to check for spread before treatment decisions are finalized.

What cancer treatment options are available?

Treatment depends on stage. For early-stage melanoma, surgery with a margin of normal skin (wide local excision) is usually curative. Sentinel lymph node biopsy may be offered for intermediate-thickness tumors to check regional spread. Advanced or metastatic melanoma is managed with systemic therapies such as immunotherapy (checkpoint inhibitors) and targeted therapy for tumors with actionable mutations (for example, BRAF mutations). Radiation and surgery remain options for symptom control or isolated metastases. Clinical trials are often an option when standard treatments are limited.

When should you check a mole and seek care?

Any mole that changes in size, shape, color, or bleeds should prompt evaluation. The ABCDEs—Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter over 6 mm, and Evolving—are helpful screening cues but not exhaustive. People with numerous moles, changing lesions, or a personal/family history of melanoma should have regular skin exams by a clinician and consider self-examination monthly. Prompt biopsy of suspicious moles improves the chance that treatment will be less extensive and more successful.

Can sunburn affect melanoma risk and prevention strategies?

Severe sunburns, particularly in childhood, increase melanoma risk, likely through DNA damage from UV radiation. Prevention focuses on reducing UV exposure: use broad-spectrum sunscreen, wear protective clothing and hats, avoid tanning beds, and seek shade during peak sun hours. Regular skin checks and education about early signs of melanoma are also prevention strategies because early detection reduces the likelihood of advanced disease requiring more intensive treatment.

Conclusion

Melanoma treatment is tailored to the tumor’s stage, location, and molecular characteristics. Early-stage disease is often managed surgically, while advanced melanoma may require systemic therapies such as immunotherapy or targeted agents, sometimes combined with surgery or radiation. Regular skin surveillance, protective measures against sunburn, and prompt assessment of suspicious moles help reduce risk and support early intervention. Multidisciplinary care and access to clinical trials can be important for complex cases, and follow-up schedules are based on individual recurrence risk and treatment history.