Provided by UVA Health
If you’ve recently heard the words “you have melanoma,” you’re not alone — skin cancers are the most common type of cancer in the United States. But melanoma treatments have improved significantly over the past decade. Due to earlier diagnoses and advanced therapies, patients are achieving better outcomes than ever before.
Navigating a cancer diagnosis can cause stress, anxiety, and worry. But it’s important to remember that melanoma is highly treatable, especially when caught early. Even in more advanced cases, effective options exist. “There’s almost always something we can do,” explains Simon H. Telian, MD, surgical oncologist at UVA Health Surgical Oncology Manassas.
Understanding Your Diagnosis
In most cases, a melanoma diagnosis comes after a biopsy — a procedure in which a doctor removes a suspicious mole or skin lesion and examines it for cancer cells. When a biopsy confirms melanoma, the next step is to consult a specialist as soon as possible.
Early intervention often leads to the best outcomes, so it’s important to seek care quickly. Your doctor will review your biopsy results to determine key factors such as the depth and risk level of your melanoma. Every case is unique, and your care team will tailor your treatment plan to your specific diagnosis and overall health.
Treatment Options
For most patients, the primary treatment for melanoma is surgical removal. This procedure removes cancerous tissue and often a small margin of surrounding healthy skin to ensure no cancer cells are left behind.
In cases of low-risk or superficial melanoma, surgery alone may be enough. “Superficial melanomas can be removed with surgery and considered cured,” explains Telian.
Depending on the depth and characteristics of your melanoma, your doctor may also perform a sentinel lymph node biopsy. This test helps determine whether
If the melanoma is deep or has spread to nearby lymph nodes, you may need additional treatment, such as immunotherapy — a cancer treatment that helps your immune system recognize and attack cancer cells. Depending on the location and severity of your condition, your care team may recommend a combination of treatments. “The final treatment plan is both tumor-specific and patient-specific,” explains Telian.
Preparing for Treatment
If you’re undergoing treatment, rest assured; medical advancements continue to deliver better outcomes. “Treatments for melanoma have greatly improved over the last decade,” Telian explains. “Immunotherapy has really changed the game. We’re seeing much better responses, and patients can gain significant time, even with advanced melanoma.”
One of the most important steps you can take is choosing a care team you trust. A multidisciplinary team — often including surgical, medical, and radiation oncologists — can provide a comprehensive approach to your treatment.
Life After Melanoma Treatment
For many patients, follow-up care involves periodic skin exams and, in some cases, imaging tests to check for recurrence. “Regular periodic skin checks by a dermatologist, primary care doctor, or surgeon are imperative,” says Telian. People with a history of skin cancer or significant sun exposure may need skin checks every three to four months, while annual skin checks are recommended for everyone.
Having melanoma once increases your risk of developing it again, so protecting your skin is especially important. Always:
- Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a skin protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher when spending time outdoors.
- Choose protective clothing such as wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and long sleeves.
- Reapply sunscreen every two to four hours, especially after swimming or sweating.
- Quit smoking.
“Smoking with a history of melanoma is a significant risk factor for the development of recurrence and complications from treatment,” Telian notes.
Care Close to Home
Remember, you don’t have to navigate your diagnosis alone. At UVA Health, you have access to a team of specialists who work together to deliver the best possible outcomes.
“UVA Health has recently brought melanoma specialists, from surgical oncologists to medical oncologists to radiation oncologists, into the Northern Virginia community so that patients have access to top-quality care close to home,” says Telian.
Taking action early can make all the difference — and world-class healthcare may be closer than you think. Start building your care team at UVA Health today.
