What do I need to know about caring for someone with stage 4 melanoma?

Honor Society of Nursing (STTI)

If you are caring for someone with stage 4 melanoma, it's important to support that person both physically and emotionally. Help them follow their doctors' advice for physical treatment, and be especially conscious of any pain or other side effects of the spreading cancer or treatments like chemotherapy. However, providing emotional support may be the most important aspect of care at this point in the disease's progression. Because prognosis once cancer reaches stage 4 is generally not good, love and emotional support is crucial.

Continue Learning about Melanoma

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States and the most treatable, if caught early. There are several types of skin cancer. We...

Honor Society of Nursing (STTI)

Melanoma can be very serious if it's not detected and treated in its early stages. When detected ear...

Philip A. Friedlander, MD

Melanoma cells can be hard to eradicate—and even after successful treatment, risk of recurrence rema...

Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.

Melanoma

The most serious type of skin cancer, melanoma affects the cells that give our skin its color. Although it can spread easily, it is curable when treated early. This cancer forms when the cells that make melanin grow abnormally or do not die when they should. These cells, called melanocytes, are found in our skin’s outer layer. Melanoma typically begins in a mole or birthmark but can form in other tissues with pigmentation, such as your eye. When melanoma develops in the eye, it is called Intraocular Melanoma. Protect yourself by avoiding overexposure from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Stay vigilant of any changes in your skin, especially if you have the skin disease Xeroderma pigmentosum, which makes you sensitive to light. You are also more likely to develop melanoma if someone in your family has been previously diagnosed with this specific type of cancer.

Learn More