The skin is the body's largest organ. It serves as a protective shield against heat, light, injury, and infection.
...more
Details about melanoma, a serious type of skin cancer.
...more
Once you're diagnosed with melanoma, you will need more tests. They can help show if the cancer has grown into nearby areas or spread to other parts of the body.
...more
Diagnosing skin cancer starts with checking out a bump, spot, or other mark on your skin.
...more
Melanoma can be treated in many ways. Which treatment may work best for you depends on a number of things.
...more
Make a list of questions and bring them to your appointments. These can cover how to decide on treatment, how to get ready for treatment, and how to cope during treatment.
...more
Chemotherapy is sometimes used to treat advanced melanomas. But it isn't used as often as it was in the past.
...more
Targeted therapy is the use of medicines that target the parts of cancer cells that make them unlike normal cells. Targeted medicines for melanoma work on genes and proteins in melanoma cells.
...more
Radiation therapy is not a common treatment for melanoma, but it can be helpful in some cases. It may be used on its own, or along with other types of treatment.
...more
Surgery is the most common way to treat melanoma. It might be the only treatment needed for early stage melanomas, and it's often part of the treatment for more advanced cancers.
...more
Your healthcare provider may suggest immunotherapy if you have advanced melanoma.
...more
Complementary medicine is used along with other therapies. It often serves to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life. Alternative medicine is used alone, without standard treatment.
...more
You may have difficulty eating or lose your appetite during cancer treatment. Try eating small, frequent meals throughout the day. To improve your appetite, don't drink beverages with your meals.
...more
Fatigue can come and go or stay constant for a while. Fatigue from chemotherapy tends to happen a few days after the treatment, peaks, and then gets better before the next treatment. Fatigue from radiation may not happen right away.
...more
Chemotherapy can damage your body’s ability to make red blood cells, so body tissues don't get enough oxygen. This is a condition called anemia. People who have anemia may feel very weak or tired, dizzy, faint, or short of breath, or may feel that their hearts are beating very fast.
...more
To reduce your risk for infection, avoid people who are sick with contagious illnesses, including colds, the flu, measles, or chickenpox.
...more
Detailed information on radiation therapy, one type of cancer treatment.
...more
Skin cancer can be treated with more success if it's found early. Read on for detailed information on doing your own skin self-exam.
...more
Knowing the risk factors for melanoma can help you make choices that might lower your risk. For example, sun exposure is a risk factor, and you can protect yourself from the sun.
...more
Melanoma is a type of skin cancer. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about melanoma.
...more