Melanoma is a type of cancer that occurs in the skin and in rare cases the eyes, mouth or nose. The American Cancer Society estimates that melanoma accounts for fewer than 5 percent of skin cancer diagnoses; however, melanoma is the most serious and deadly type of skin cancer. Treatment for melanoma depends on the extent of cancer and the patient's age and overall health.
Surgery
Surgery to remove the melanoma is the primary treatment. Local excision involves removing the melanoma as well as some of the tissue around it. A sentinal lymph node biopsy is done on the lymph nodes closest to the melanoma site to determine whether or not cancer has spread. A lymphadenectomy removes lymph nodes that are affected. Side effects of surgery include excessive bleeding, swelling, pain and nerve damage. Nerve damage results in numbness, tingling and drooping in the affected area. Lymphedema is caused when removed lymph nodes disrupt the normal draining of the lymphatic system. Lymphedema manifests as swelling in the arms and legs.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is used after surgery to ensure most of the cancerous tissue is destroyed. Chemotherapy kills cancer cells or stops them from multiplying. The Mayo Clinic says anticancer drugs can be administered by a technique called hyperthermic isolated limb perfusion, which sends the chemotherapy directly to the arm or leg in which the melanoma is located. This technique allows high doses of medication to be administered to the affected area without exposing the rest of the body to chemotherapy. The Franklin Square Hospital Center says complete response rates to hyperthermic isolated limb perfusion is 25 percent to 65 percent; with an average duration of remission of eight to 20 months.
Radiation
After surgery, some types of melanoma are treated with radiation. Radiation therapy uses high-dose X-rays and other radiation to kill cancerous cells and stop them from multiplying. There are two types of radiation, and the method of radiation given to the patient is determined based on how far the cancer has advanced. During external radiation treatments, a machine outside of the body sends radiation to the cancer site. The National Cancer Institute says internal radiation uses radioactive substance sealed in needles, wires or catheters that are then placed into or near the cancer site.
Experimental Treatment
Immunotherapy is used as treatment in clinical trials. It enhances the patient's immune system to find and destroy melanoma in the body.
