Melanoma cancer

Lack of sun protection is one of the highest risks of developing melanoma.

Melanoma is linked to sun exposure, but it can also affect areas of the body that aren’t often exposed to sun. In rare cases, it affects the skin that lines the nose, mouth and genitals. Those at highest risk have unprotected and excessive exposure to sun and ultraviolet radiation (UVR), a suppressed immune system, are fair skinned, have many moles or a skin cancer history. Additionally, melanoma can be caused by a genetic predisposition.

When caught early, treatment for melanoma may offer more positive outcomes.

Nearly all early-stage melanomas can be treated with surgery if they are caught before they have a spread, so early diagnosis can mean a positive outcome. If your melanoma is more advanced, you may require more than one type of treatment.

Treatment focused on you.

We understand that being diagnosed with cancer can be overwhelming – we are here to help you navigate this journey. At GenesisCare, we specialize in the latest technologies and continually evaluate the latest skin cancer treatments so we can offer the most up-to-date options to every patient without delay. We offer treatments that can improve your skin cancer prognosis, manage the disease and help minimize any discomfort and pain. You and your doctor will work together to decide on the most appropriate treatment plan for you, tailored to your needs.

The first sign of melanoma cancer is often a new spot on the skin, or change in size, shape or color of an existing mole. You may find that the spot is also bleeding, painful, inflamed or itchy. Your physician may want to run diagnostics if there is a concern for malignancy.

Melanoma is usually diagnosed by performing a biopsy. Occasionally a biopsy can remove all the cancer tissue and no treatment is required. If necessary, imaging scans such as ultrasound, PET, CT, and MRI may be used to confirm the extent of a diagnosis. You may also have advanced diagnostic tests throughout treatment to assess effectiveness and how your cancer is responding.

Find your nearest GenesisCare center to find out what diagnostic tests and scans are available in your local area. Whatever your outcome, our expert team will support you throughout your treatment journey.

Our experienced team of surgeons are specially trained in the removal of tumors containing cancerous and benign (non-cancerous) cells. There are different procedures used for skin cancer surgery and your surgeon will recommend the most appropriate one for you depending on how advanced your melanoma is.

Radiation therapy is often most appropriate for melanoma where surgery is contraindicated in earlier stages, or as an additional treatment for advanced disease to help minimize spread of cancer after surgery is performed. At GenesisCare, we specialize in advanced radiation therapy techniques, with treatment plans focused on minimizing side effects and putting your needs at the forefront.

Our latest-generation machines are built to deliver highly targeted radiation beams. The accuracy of these treatments, together with the expertise of our teams, means that we can often complete a course of radiation therapy in a shorter amount of time - so you can spend more time doing the things you love.

At GenesisCare, we offer a wide range of drug therapies and the latest anti-cancer drugs for skin cancer treatment, including chemotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy.

Chemotherapy for melanoma

Chemotherapy refers to drugs that destroy cancer cells. Our expert teams may recommend chemotherapy after other treatments or on its own. Chemotherapy is not usually used as the first treatment for melanoma, but it may shrink the size of the tumors in some cases.

The type of chemotherapy you’ll receive will depend on how advanced your skin cancer is. If your melanoma has spread to other parts of your body, chemotherapy may help control its growth, relieve symptoms and improve your skin cancer prognosis.

Immunotherapy for melanoma

Cancer cells rapidly divide out of control unlike normal, healthy cells, and often are able to hide from the immune system. Immunotherapy helps your body’s own immune system recognize and fight the cancer. Checkpoint inhibitors may be an effective immunotherapy against melanoma, working by blocking the signals that stop the immune system from attacking the cancerous cells. 

Targeted therapy for melanoma

Targeted therapy, also known as precision medicine, is a newer type of treatment that ‘targets’ cancer cells without affecting normal healthy cells. Targeted therapy seeks, attacks and blocks cellular activity that cancer depends on to survive and grow. Targeted therapies help determine what DNA mutation is driving a cancer, based off your individual genomic and genetic makeup. Types of targeted therapy for melanoma include: 

• Cancer growth inhibitors – some melanomas can have an altered proteins called BRAF, MEK, and C-KIT,  which helps them grow. These drugs target the faulty  proteins to stop the cancer from growing.

GenesisCare offers access to the latest technologies, advanced treatments and personalized care that’s tailored to the individual without delay.

Cancer care is constantly evolving, and we offer the world’s latest evidence-based treatments that have been shown to benefit patients. By working together closely, our multidisciplinary teams of oncologists, surgeons, radiation therapists and other healthcare specialists provide care that’s focused on you, not just your cancer, so you receive the best possible outcomes.

At GenesisCare, our goal is to help you navigate through your cancer journey in the most positive way possible. That’s why as well as offering advanced and innovative treatment options, we also provide you with support and resources for your cancer journey - including advice about nutrition and exercise, expert help for managing side effects and information on local support groups.

Our centers are conveniently located throughout the United States, and each location has a dedicated Office Financial Counselor on hand to help you with your paperwork and answer your questions. We accept most insurance plans as well as Medicare Part B, which covers physician services, including radiation therapy.