Melanoma Program

Overview

Cleveland Clinic is recognized in the U.S. and throughout the world for its expertise and care. Our dermatology and plastic surgery program is one of the largest such practices in the nation and is regarded as a leader in patient care and clinical research.

Cleveland Clinic’s Melanoma Program consists of a multidisciplinary team of pathologists, dermatologists, surgeons, medical and radiation oncologists, and others who work together to develop the optimal treatment plan for each patient. This means that in addition to recommending a treatment most likely to result in a cure, they consider the option that will have the least effect on important body functions and appearance.

As a result, with only a single appointment, patients not only get the highest standard of care but members of a team who are highly involved in all areas of research for melanoma. This means state-of-the-art treatments, bringing hope to those who previously had no treatment options for their cancers. Many of our melanoma specialist are also trained in mohs surgery. 

Outcomes of melanoma patients at Cleveland Clinic compare favorably with data published nationally, and in some stages patients were found to have a better survival rate than that documented in multicenter studies. We also offer a range of clinical trials and research, including melanoma clinical trials and skin cancer clinical trials. 

We also offer patients reconstructive surgery options for those with large or complex melanoma removals.

• Learn more about our Reconstructive Surgery services.

What We Treat

Prevention and Diagnosis

While melanoma makes up less than 2 percent of all skin cancers, it is responsible for the majority of skin cancer-related deaths. That’s why it is critical to see a physician at the first sign of any abnormality in your skin. Melanoma is highly curable when caught early. 

• The Facts About Melanoma
• Intraocular Melanoma
• Sun Exposure & Skin Cancer
• Skin Self-exam
• Protecting Yourself from Sun Damage

Treatment

The stage of cancer at the time of diagnosis is a primary factor in determining skin cancer or melanoma treatment. Surgery is used to treat many types of skin cancer and is a standard treatment for melanoma.

If the melanoma is in an early stage, it may be removed during the biopsy or through surgery that removes the cancer along with some healthy-looking skin around it. In some cases, this is the only treatment that is needed.

In cases where the melanoma has spread beyond the skin to the neighboring lymph nodes or beyond, additional treatments may be needed. These could include:

• Lymphadenectomy. If melanoma has spread to nearby lymph nodes, this surgery removes the affected nodes.
• Metastectomy. Removal of single isolated deposits of melanoma from organs.
• Chemotherapy. This uses drugs to kill the cancer cells. Historically, chemotherapy was used to treat metastatic or stage IV melanoma, but is now considered for third line therapy.
• Radiation Therapy. This uses X-rays or other high-energy rays to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors.
• Biological Therapy or Immunotherapy. This treatment helps the patient’s immune system fight the cancer.
• Targeted Therapy. Targeted therapy drugs are technically considered chemotherapy, but are a separate class that interferes with the cancers internal growth pathway. Clinical trials can test many types of treatments such as new drugs, new surgical techniques or radiation therapy, new combinations of treatments, or new methods. The goal of the research is to find better ways to treat cancer.
• Mohs Surgery. This surgery removes skin cancer while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible, critical in carcinomas near the eyes, ears, nose, mouth, hands, feet and genitals.

For Additional Information

• Access our free melanoma treatment guide
• Visit Health Essentials
• Listen to the Butts & Guts podcast - What to Know About Melanoma
  
• Search a database of all cancer education topics

Doctors

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Support & Services

Patient Services

In addition to offering state of the art diagnostic techniques and melanoma treatment methods, our specialists also offer an array of resources that can help patients cope with the demands of cancer. Patients are encouraged to take advantage of these resources to ease the burden of managing cancer.

• View more Patient Education and Support resources

Clinical Trials & Research

Cleveland Clinic Cancer Center clinical trials offer patients important treatment options and access to the latest treatments and procedures resulting from cancer research. Cleveland Clinic offers a range of clinical trials and research, including melanoma clinical trials and skin cancer clinical trials.

Clinical Trials

Clinical trials (or research studies) help us create the medicine of tomorrow. They provide hope through offering testing of new drugs, new surgical techniques or other treatments before they are widely available.

We can help you access hundreds of clinical trials across all specialty areas. Our new searchable online trials tool makes identifying treatment opportunities easier than ever.

• Learn more about our Research & Innovations

Medical Professionals

Cleveland Clinic Cancer Center is committed to working with you to provide the best care for your patients. Our team is also dedicated to the training and education of medical professionals to advance cancer care and research.

• View our For Medical Professionals resources

Make an Online Referral

To make a direct online referral to our Cleveland Clinic Cancer Center, complete our Online Cancer Patient Referral Form or visit clevelandclinic.org/cancerpatientreferrals.

You will receive a confirmation once the appointment is scheduled.