Treatment for melanoma skin cancer
Treatment depends on how deep the melanoma is and whether it has spread. This is called the stage of the cancer. Treatment also depends on your general health and where the melanoma is on your body. Surgery is the main treatment for melanoma skin cancer.
Unfortunately, if the cancer has spread to places such as your liver or lungs then the melanoma is advanced. Different treatments are available for advanced melanoma skin cancer and melanoma that can not be removed with surgery.
Preparing for treatment and life afterwards (prehabilitation)
There are things you can do to help you feel more in control of your health when preparing for treatment. This is called prehabilitation or prehab.
Treatment options for melanoma skin cancer
Treatment can include surgery and cancer drugs such as targeted cancer drugs, immunotherapy and chemotherapy. When ones you have depends on a number of factors.
Surgery for melanoma skin cancer
Surgery is the main treatment for melanoma skin cancer. The type of surgery you need depends on the stage of the melanoma and where it is in your body.
Targeted cancer drugs and immunotherapy for melanoma skin cancer
You may have targeted cancer drugs or immunotherapy after surgery. Which type you have depends on if the melanoma has any gene changes or not.
Radiotherapy for melanoma skin cancer
Radiotherapy isn't a common treatment for melanoma skin cancer. Some people may have it after surgery or for melanoma that has spread elsewhere in the body (advanced melanoma).
Treatment for advanced melanoma skin cancer
Treatments include targeted cancer drugs, immunotherapy and chemotherapy. They aim to control the cancer, any symptoms you have and improve your quality of life.
Follow up after treatment for melanoma skin cancer
After your treatment, you have follow up appointments and tests. This is to check you don't have any side effects and that the cancer hasn't come back.
