What is the main treatment for melanoma?
Remember that the first defense against skin cancer is always prevention, especially against intense sun damage. Treatment varies widely depending on the size, type and stage of the cancer. If detected in the early stages, melanoma is often treatable. The main treatment for early-stage melanoma is surgery. A thin melanoma is usually treated with a wide local excision of the skin. Melanomas that are 1 millimeter or more in thickness are considered more aggressive than thin melanomas and may spread to nearby lymph nodes. These melanomas are treated with wide local excisions of the skin, and lymph node biopsy may be considered. If the melanoma has spread to the lymph nodes, patients may be offered additional treatment.
