Understanding Your Melanoma Treatment Journey

Introduction

Melanoma is a serious form of skin cancer that requires prompt, personalized treatment. Your treatment plan will depend on several factors, including the stage of your melanoma and your overall health.

Treatment Options

1. Surgery

• Wide Local Excision
  • Removal of the tumor and surrounding healthy tissue
  • Primary treatment for early-stage melanoma
  • May include sentinel lymph node biopsy

2. Immunotherapy

• Checkpoint Inhibitors
  • Pembrolizumab (Keytruda®)
  • Nivolumab (Opdivo®)
  • Ipilimumab (Yervoy®)
• Stimulates your immune system to fight cancer cells

3. Targeted Therapy

• BRAF Inhibitors
  • For melanomas with BRAF gene mutations
  • Often combined with MEK inhibitors
  • Examples: Dabrafenib, Vemurafenib

4. Radiation Therapy

• Used for specific situations:
  • After surgery in high-risk areas
  • For melanoma that has spread
  • To relieve symptoms

Treatment by Stage

Early-Stage Melanoma

• Surgery is typically the primary treatment
• Regular monitoring after treatment

Advanced Melanoma

• Combination of treatments often used
• May include clinical trials
• Regular assessment of treatment response

Side Effects Management

• Each treatment has specific side effects
• Your care team will help manage these
• Regular follow-up appointments important

Support and Recovery

• Regular skin examinations
• Sun protection essential
• Emotional and psychological support available