Five treatment options for melanoma skin cancer

When navigating the world of melanoma treatment, the options can feel overwhelming when seeking treatment. And for good reasons; melanoma is a serious skin cancer that requires timely action. However, the good news is that there are effective treatment options available with our board-certified dermatologist at Orchard Park Dermatology. Picking the right treatment is a personalized process based on the melanoma’s stage, size, and location.

Below is a list of five common skin cancer treatment options to consider when combating melanoma:

1. Surgical removal

For many patients, surgery is the first-line treatment for melanoma. Doctors carefully remove the cancerous tumor and a margin of healthy skin surrounding it that ensures no stray cancer cells are left behind. This straightforward method works best for melanoma caught early and is often highly effective when the cancer hasn’t spread. This may be a simple excision or specific treatment techniques like Mohs micrographic surgery.

2. Immunotherapy

Your immune system is like your personal army, ready to defend your body. Immunotherapy treatments, such as checkpoint inhibitors or interleukin-2, start to supercharge all of these natural defenses, helping them recognize and destroy melanoma cells. This option is particularly effective for advanced melanoma.

3. Targeted therapy

Targeted therapy works like an expertly aimed arrow. If your melanoma cells have specific genetic mutations (like changes in the BRAF gene), targeted treatments can zero in on those mutations and block the cancer from growing. These types of medicines are like custom keys for specific locks, making the treatment both precise and powerful.

4. Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy uses very high-energy X-rays or other forms of radiation to target and destroy cancer cells. This option is often used when surgery isn’t an option or to treat melanoma that has spread to other areas, like the brain. It’s basically just like using laser focus to eliminate the tricky spots.

5. Chemotherapy

Although it’s less common for melanoma skin cancer nowadays, chemotherapy can still be a viable option, especially if other treatments aren’t suitable. It involves delivering cancer-fighting drugs throughout your body to halt rapid cell growth.

Actual Patient Results

Take the first step toward understanding your treatment options and take charge of your health today!

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Peter Accetta at Orchard Park Dermatology and begin your path to recovery with confidence! Our board-certified dermatologist can help you choose the treatment option most appropriate for you. The office can be reached by dialing (716) 675-7000.

Dr. Peter Accetta is dedicated to developing and preserving his patients' skin's health and brightness. Dr. Accetta is a dermatological board-certified physician who graduated from Fordham University and the University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine. He is a member of both the American Academy of Dermatology and is a clinical Associate Professor of Dermatology and is actively involved in teaching.

Dr. Accetta is a skin cancer specialty expert in surgical and non-surgical treatments for skin cancer and sun damage. He is also interest in cost effective skin rejuvenation techniques including Photodynamic Therapy, Peels and Microneedling

When you put your trust in Dr. Accetta and his staff, you can expect prompt attention to your requirements, competence, experience, and real compassion.

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