Facing a melanoma diagnosis can be overwhelming. Patients often have many questions and need to make important treatment decisions. Understanding the available options can bring clarity and ease during this difficult time. Today, there are advanced ways to manage and treat melanoma skin cancer effectively.
This article will cover the best options for treatment for melanoma skin cancer. We will also offer advice on finding a trustworthy dermatologist.
1. Mohs Surgery
Mohs micrographic surgery is an effective way to treat melanoma. This technique is done by a skin doctor with special training. It removes cancer while keeping as much healthy skin as possible. Mohs surgery works well when you need treatment in a sensitive or important area. This includes the face, ears, or hands.
How Does The Procedure Work?
During the surgery, the doctor removes thin layers of skin one at a time. Each layer is checked under a microscope to look for cancer cells. The process continues until no cancer cells remain.
When Is Mohs Surgery Most Helpful?
This approach lowers the chance of the cancer coming back and keeps more healthy tissue intact. Mohs surgery is especially helpful for early-stage melanomas.
2. Wide Local Excision
Wide local excision is a common treatment for melanoma skin cancer. It is often suggested for melanomas that are not suitable for Mohs surgery.
This procedure involves removing the melanoma along with a small amount of healthy skin around it. This is done to ensure all cancer cells are gone. The size of the healthy skin margin removed depends on how thick and advanced the melanoma is.
Is Wide Local Excision Always The Best Option?
Wide local excision is effective and direct. However, it may not be ideal for melanomas in areas that are cosmetically sensitive. A skilled dermatologist will determine the best surgical method. They base their decision on where the melanoma is located and other unique factors that may affect the patient.
3. Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy helps the body’s immune system fight melanoma. It teaches the immune system to find and attack melanoma cells.
Immunotherapy is often chosen for advanced melanoma. It is also a good option for melanoma that cannot be operated on. It has shown great success in improving survival rates for patients with these conditions.
What Are The Types Of Immunotherapy?
Different kinds of immunotherapy are used for melanoma. This includes checkpoint inhibitors and cytokines.
Checkpoint inhibitors block proteins that stop the immune system from attacking cancer cells. By doing this, the immune system can fight melanoma more effectively. Cytokines are substances that boost immune cells, helping them address melanoma.
4. Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapy focuses on blocking specific molecules that help melanoma grow and spread. It is especially useful for melanomas with certain genetic changes. Targeted therapy is often helpful for people with advanced or metastatic melanoma. It offers a focused treatment option for those specific conditions.
How Do BRAF Inhibitors Work?
BRAF inhibitors target changes in the BRAF gene. This gene is found in about 50 percent of melanoma cases.
What Are Combination Therapies?
Combination therapies use both BRAF inhibitors and MEK inhibitors. This approach makes the treatment more effective and helps reduce the chance of resistance to the therapy.
5. Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy is a treatment that uses high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells. It is not usually the first choice for treating melanoma. However, it may be used when surgery is not an option. It can also ease symptoms caused by melanoma that has spread. Radiation therapy is often combined with other treatments to help improve the overall results for patients.
6. Experimental Treatments and Clinical Trials
Clinical trials offer new options for those with advanced melanoma who do not respond to standard therapies. These trials test innovative treatments like:
- Personalized vaccines
- Oncolytic viruses
- Adoptive cell therapy
How to Find the Best Dermatologist for Treating Melanoma Skin Cancer
Choosing the right dermatologist is a crucial step in ensuring effective melanoma treatment. Here are some tips to help you find a dermatologist for treatment for melanoma skin cancer:
Look for Board-Certified Specialists
Choose a dermatologist who is board-certified and trained to treat skin cancer. Board certification shows that the doctor has passed strict testing. It also indicates they have a deep understanding of skincare and cancer treatment.
Seek Experience with Melanoma
Dermatologists have different levels of experience when it comes to treating melanoma. It is important to find one who has a lot of experience with melanoma cases. This is especially crucial if you need advanced treatments like Mohs surgery.
Read Patient Reviews
Online reviews can help you learn about a dermatologist’s communication. It also describes their treatment methods and how happy their patients are.
Look for reviews from patients who needed treatment specifically for melanoma. See how experienced the doctor is and the quality of care they provide.
Schedule a Consultation
Before choosing a dermatologist, schedule a visit. You can use this time to ask questions and talk about treatment options. This is a chance to learn about:
- Their experience and knowledge
- How they communicate
- Their approach to care
A good doctor will listen to your concerns and create a treatment plan that fits your needs.
Treatment For Melanoma Skin Cancer in Coral Gables, FL
At Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center, we focus on providing personalized and expert care. Our board-certified Mohs surgeon, Dr. T.J. Giuffrida, has successfully treated many melanoma patients. Patients trust him because of his skill, dedication, and caring attitude, which help them maintain their quality of life.
If you or a loved one needs treatment for melanoma skin cancer, we are here to help. Call us at (305) 461-2000 or use our online appointment request form. Together, we will create a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
We look forward to serving you!
Sources:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14391-melanoma
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/melanoma/symptoms-causes/syc-20374884
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/melanoma/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20374888
