
Melanoma
Melanoma is a specific kind of skin cancer. Melanomas most commonly form on skin that has been exposed to the sun or another form of ultraviolet light (such as tanning beds). However, a melanoma can also form on areas of the body that have not had such sun exposure such as the soles of the feet or in-between toes. Melanomas can also develop internally. For external melanomas, a change in the appearance of a mole – size, shape, color, texture – or the development of a new skin growth, may be the first signs of the disease. Risk factors for melanoma include having fair skin that burns easily, having numerous moles, and a family history of the cancer. The diagnosis process usually begins by a trained medical provider identifying and/or confirming a suspicious looking mole. This can happen at a routine physical or during a skin check by a dermatologist. The doctor may use a specialized magnifying lens to get a closer look at the growth to determine if removal and biopsy (evaluating the tissue from the mole) should be performed. If laboratory testing confirms melanoma, follow-up testing will help determine the staging of the lesion.
As with all forms of cancer, early detection of melanoma is important. This can be difficult because melanoma can grow quickly and rather silently, even when affecting other areas of the body. Making matters more complicated, often times the moles people worry most about due to size or appearance are completely benign. Once diagnosed, the recommended treatment plan will be based on the stage of the melanoma and its location(s). Surgical removal of the melanoma may have already happened during the biopsy process. It will be important however that the doctor confirms that a measure of skin around the growth also been removed (this is called a clean margin). The best scenario is that the melanoma did not spread to lymph nodes or other organs. For individuals diagnosed with later-stage melanoma, the standard treatment protocol can involve many other approaches including targeted therapies based on specific genetic information, radiation therapy, and newer forms of immunotherapy.
Latest News

Melanoma
Melanoma: Separating Myths from Facts
Melanoma is a serious form of cancer yet many myths persist around what it is, where it is, and who is at risk
2025-04-28T21:05:00Z

Melanoma
Advances in Melanoma Treatment
Clinical research is helping bring new, and much-needed, treatments to market
2025-04-15T21:17:00Z
Advances in treatment
Clinical research studies have led to several advances in melanoma treatment. The last few years have been especially impactful, with breakthroughs happening across a variety of new therapies. Immunotherapy and tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy are both showing the ability to delay progression and/or prevent recurrence of melanoma. In addition, as better understanding of the genetics related to melanoma continues to evolve. As a result, more and more targeted treatment approaches are being looked at that reflect genetic make-up of the cancer. These advances, coupled with more precise surgical techniques, are enabling people with melanoma to experience better outcomes than ever before.
You can get involved
Melanoma can be a dangerous illness. It can be hard to believe that a small mole on the skin, one that may not even look that different from all other moles, can be potentially life threatening. Clinical research may offer someone with melanoma access to treatment options not currently available at their doctor's office or local hospital. Today there are many trials recruiting for participants. Some trials may even offer help with transportation if the distance is too far to drive. Want to learn more? Sign-up with us to receive updates about recruiting trials and research opportunities for melanoma.
RECRUITING TRIALS
Reference
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National Cancer Institute Melanoma Treatment, Patient Version Updated April 25, 2025
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Mayo Clinic. Melanoma Symptoms and Causes Updated December 20, 2023
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American Cancer Society. Melanoma Treatment by Stage Updated February 21, 2024