Beyond Local Excision: Treatment Options When Melanoma Has Spread

Experts estimate that 1 in 28 men and 1 in 41 women will be diagnosed with melanoma in their lifetimes — statistics that are concerning given the majority of deaths from skin cancer come from this type.

The news isn't all bad, however. Customized treatment options are available.

At his private practice in Santa Monica, California, Dr. Trevan Fischer, a complex general surgical oncologist, employs the latest techniques when caring for people with melanoma and other types of cancer. 

With access to the most up-to-date research thanks to his work on cutting-edge clinical trials at the Saint John's Cancer Institute, Dr. Fischer ensures his patients receive the most innovative treatments available for the best possible outcomes.

Melanoma

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that grows in the pigment cells that give skin its color. It is not as common as several other kinds of skin cancer, but it is more dangerous because it can spread quickly.

It can form in a mole or grow on healthy skin. While it often occurs in areas exposed to the sun, it can grow on any portion of the skin.

Treatment options

The stage of melanoma and the person's overall health determine which treatment is right for them. 

For most people, surgery is the first step. When diagnosed early, surgery may be the only treatment needed.

If the cancer is discovered at a later stage, one or more systemic options are likely necessary. These can include:

Lymph node removal

In addition to surgery to excise the melanoma, some people may have a sentinel lymph node biopsy. 

During this procedure, one or more lymph nodes where cancer cells are most likely to have spread are identified, removed, and examined. If cancer is found, more lymph nodes in the area are likely removed.

Radiation

This treatment employs strong energy beams that direct radiation to specific points of the body. It may target the lymph nodes, areas of melanoma that can't be fully removed during surgery, or other locations where cancer has spread.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy harnesses the body's immune system to kill cancer cells. Medication allows the immune system cells to detect hiding cancer cells and destroy them. It can be used in the lymph nodes or other areas of the body. It is sometimes injected straight into the melanoma if it is unable to be completely removed.

Targeted therapy

Targeted therapy uses medicine to block certain chemicals in the cancer cells, which results in their death. This treatment can be used if cancer has spread to the lymph nodes or elsewhere.  Melanoma cells can be tested to confirm whether targeted therapy would be successful.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses medications to stop cancer cells from growing by either destroying them or preventing their ability to continue dividing. Depending on the type of medication, it may be taken as a pill or given through a vein.

If you have found a suspicious growth or have already received a diagnosis of melanoma, contact our office. Click to book an appointment with Dr. Fischer or call the office today at 310-807-2688.