Treatment for stage 4 melanoma is usually more aggressive than earlier stages, because the cancer has spread from the original site. Treatment may involve surgical removal of the growth and the lymph nodes in the nearby area, as well as removal of other melanomas. However, this won't get rid of all the cancer. Doctors may recommend other treatments such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy (using the body's immune system to fight cancer cells), or targeted therapy (targeting cancer cells by their particular genetic makeup), all of which which can help kill cancerous cells that have spread to other parts of the body. Side effects of these treatments can be harsh, and their success may depend on several factors, such as age and overall condition. Clinical trials may be recommended. Palliative care may be recommended as well, to improve quality of life if intervention is not expected to help.
Melanoma
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1 AnswerA
Sigma Nursing answeredTreatment options for uveal melanoma depend on several factors, including the size and location of the tumor and the age of the person affected. A tiny tumor may require watchful waiting, monitoring the progress of the disease to see if it requires intervention. But the most common treatment is surgery. The type of surgery depends on the severity of the cancer. If the tumor is small, doctors will remove just the growth and a little bit of the surrounding tissue. If the tumor is larger, or causing complications like glaucoma, doctors may have to remove the entire eye, and in some cases, the eyelid and surrounding nerves and muscles.
Other types of treatment may be used to try to kill cancerous cells. Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays directed toward the growth to destroy the cancerous cells. Photocoagulation uses a laser to destroy tumors. Thermotherapy uses heat in the form of ultrasound, microwaves or lasers to kill the melanoma cells. Targeted therapy uses chemicals designed specifically to target cancer cells by their genes. Some patients may take part in clinical trials in which new treatment options are explored.
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See All 2 AnswersFor stage IV metastatic melanoma, life expectancy is around 8 to 10 months. In this video, Philip Friedlander, MD, an oncologist at The Mount Sinai Medical Center, discusses survivability rates for melanoma.
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Dr. Robert A. Wascher, MD , Surgery, answered on behalf of Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA)See All 2 AnswersMelanoma is a form of cancer that arises from the cells that create pigment in your skin and other parts of your body (melanocytes). The vast majority of melanomas arise in the skin, and while there is a link between ultraviolet light exposure (from the sun, and from tanning beds) and skin melanoma, we don’t yet know exactly how melanoma cancers arise. Rarely, melanoma can arise in the eye, the nasal cavity, the oral cavity, the vagina or the rectum. Once again, we do not yet understand exactly how these melanomas arise. -
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Parkland Medical Center answeredNot all melanoma necessarily progresses to stage 3 melanoma; most of the time it is diagnosed and treated before spreading beyond the original area. It is estimated that almost 1.2 million Americans have some stage of melanoma (there are more than 87,000 new cases diagnosed in a year). Nine percent of these cancers have spread from the initial melanoma to lymph nodes close to the original area, or other sections of skin nearby, but no further; this indicates the stage 3 melanoma. More than 105,000 people are thought to have stage 3 melanoma. Talk to your doctor if you think you have symptoms of melanoma. -
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Parkland Medical Center answeredNot all melanoma necessarily progresses to stage 4 melanoma; most of the time it is diagnosed and treated in earlier stages. It is estimated that almost 1.2 million Americans have some stage of melanoma (there are more than 87,000 new cases diagnosed in a year), and 4% of these cancers have spread from the initial melanoma to other parts of the body, which indicates the fourth stage. Therefore, around 47,000 people are thought to have stage 4 melanoma. Talk to your doctor if you think you have symptoms of melanoma.
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Parkland Medical Center answeredUnfortunately, there is no guaranteed cure for amelanotic melanoma. However, with early diagnosis and proper treatment, it might be possible to remove the cancer completely. Surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation are common treatments for all kinds of melanoma. Newer medicines, such as those in targeted therapy and immunotherapy, offer more and better weapons in the fight against melanoma. The earlier amelanotic melanoma is diagnosed and treated, the better your chance for a full recovery.
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Parkland Medical Center answeredSee All 3 Answers
Amelanotic melanoma is a type of melanoma, which is a skin cancer. Like most melanomas, amelanotic melanoma is related to the cells that make melanin, which is the protective pigment that gives skin color. However, unlike other types of melanoma that cause dark, mole-like growths, the irregularly-shaped growths caused by amelanotic melanoma usually have no color (hence the name "amelanotic," or without melanin), or are pink, white, or flesh-colored. This can make treatment difficult since people often ignore these seemingly non-threatening lesions until the disease has already progressed quite far. Any type of melanoma may have amelanotic lesions.
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Riverside Cancer Care Center answeredSee All 7 AnswersMelanocytes are found throughout the lower part of the epidermis. They make melanin, the pigment that gives skin its natural color. When skin is exposed to the sun, melanocytes make more pigment, causing the skin to tan, or darken.
The skin is the body's largest organ. It protects against heat, sunlight, injury, and infection. The skin has 2 main layers: the epidermis (upper or outer layer) and the dermis (lower or inner layer).
When melanoma starts in the skin, the disease is called cutaneous melanoma. This PDQ summary is about cutaneous (skin) melanoma. Melanoma may also occur in the eye and is called intraocular or ocular melanoma.
There are 3 types of skin cancer:
Melanoma Basal cell skin cancer Squamous cell skin cancerMelanoma is more aggressive than basal cell skin cancer or squamous cell skin cancer.
This answer is based on source information from the National Cancer Institute.
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Parkland Medical Center answeredAlternative treatments cannot cure nodular melanoma, but when used together with medical treatment, there are several alternative options that may help improve your overall health. Some people recommend following a strict diet with vitamin supplements, including beta carotene, vitamin C, and vitamin E, although there is no proof at this time that such a diet is beneficial. Others find certain relaxation techniques, such as yoga and aromatherapy, very good for you. Other alternative treatments for people with nodular melanoma may include spiritual activities, like meditation and prayer.