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Melanoma Treatment Options

Learn about national guidelines and melanoma treatment options for people with inherited mutations.

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Melanoma > Treatment Options

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Melanoma Treatment

Treatment for melanoma depends on the , type and location of the disease. Tumor  testing and genetic testing can provide additional clues about which treatments may work best for your cancer. For people with or advanced cancer, these additional tests are usually recommended.

Treatment may include a combination of surgery, radiation, and . Chemotherapy is sometimes used of the cancer returns after these treatments. Clinical trials may be available for any  of cancer.

It is estimated that about 10 percent of people diagnosed with melanoma will test positive for an . People with an in the genes below may have different treatment recommendations or options depending on their gene mutation. 

Genes Linked to Melanoma
ACD, BAP1 (melanoma and uveal melanoma), BRCA1*, BRCA2, CDKN2A, CDK4, MC1R, MBD4 (uveal melanoma), MITF, PALB2* (uveal melanoma), POT1, PTEN, RB1, TERF2IP, TERT, TP53, XP genes

*More research is needed to confirm a link between a mutation in this gene and increased risk for melanoma.

Make sure that you receive a copy of your cancer test results, including your and your . Ask your doctor to explain your diagnosis, test results and treatment options in terms that you can understand. This will allow you to work with your doctor to choose the best treatment for you.   

See below for more information on each of these melanoma treatment topics. 

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Melanoma Treatment Options

Stages & Subtypes

Treatment for melanoma depends on the , location and type of melanoma. You can learn more in-depth information about how doctors determine the and type of your cancer.

More info

Treatment Options

Surgery is the primary treatment for melanoma. Some people with melanoma may receive , , chemotherapy or radiation. Read about these treatment options here. 

More info

Genetic & Testing

Tumor  testing and genetic testing can provide additional clues about which treatments may work best for your cancer.

More info

Participate in Melanoma Treatment Research

Visit our partners at Aim at Melanoma for information about their research registry and other ways to advance melanoma research. 


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Last updated July 24, 2024