There are a variety of different treatments available out there for people diagnosed with melanoma. We know that each individual is different, as is each diagnosis – and we stress to you the importance of seeking your own medical advice, researching different doctors and techniques that you are comfortable with to ensure you receive the best treatment options for your body. Often times you may seek a second opinion, and we’re here to tell you – that’s alright.
Having cancer can seem overwhelming, but with the right treatments and the right doctors, anything can be achieved, even overcoming cancer. Fight back by educating yourself on treatments, and understand how they can affect your body and ask as many questions as you need to feel at ease with your treatments.
General Treatment Information
Once melanoma has been diagnosed, and a proper assessment has been done to find out what stage you are in your team will discuss treatment options with you. You may have a variety of doctors on your treatment team, such as a dermatologist, surgical oncologist, medical oncologist, radiation oncologist or other specialists.
Each of these members is now part of your team, a team that is dedicated to treating your cancer through a variety of different therapies. If surgery is recommended to treat your cancer you can be sure these professionals will know how to perform the necessary procedures to get you on the road to recovery safely and come up with a battle plan to help you fight melanoma. You can discuss your options, as well as any possible side effects associated with different treatments to create a customized plan. These professionals are here for you – so remember, if there is something you do not understand – do not hesitate to ask.
Once the stage is determined, along with other factors your team may recommend any of the following treatments:
Surgery
Immunotherapy
Targeted therapy
Chemotherapy
Radiation therapy
If you are in the early stage of melanoma cancer, surgery alone may treat your cancer effectively.
We’ve compiled a list of the stages of cancer and their survival rate for both 5 and 10 years.
Stage IA: The 5-year survival rate is around 97%. The 10-year survival is around 95%.
Stage IB: The 5-year survival rate is around 92%. The 10-year survival is around 86%.
Stage IIA: The 5-year survival rate is around 81%. The 10-year survival is around 67%.
Stage IIB: The 5-year survival rate is around 70%. The 10-year survival is around 57%.
Stage IIC: The 5-year survival rate is around 53%. The 10-year survival is around 40%.
Stage IIIA: The 5-year survival rate is around 78%. The 10-year survival is around 68%.*
Stage IIIB: The 5-year survival rate is around 59%. The 10-year survival is around 43%.
Stage IIIC: The 5-year survival rate is around 40%. The 10-year survival is around 24%.
Stage IV: The 5-year survival rate is about 15% to 20%. The 10-year survival is about 10% to 15%. The outlook is better if the spread is only to distant parts of the skin or distant lymph nodes rather than to other organs, and if the blood level of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is normal.