Melanoma Treatment: Perioperative Care

Introduction to Melanoma

Melanoma is a serious type of skin cancer that develops when melanoma cells form in the pigment-producing skin cells known as melanocytes. It is less common than other types of skin cancer, but it can spread quickly to other areas of your body if not detected and treated early.

The goal of melanoma treatment is to remove the primary tumour, reduce the risk of spread, and support long-term recovery. A treatment plan often includes surgery, adjuvant therapy, and targeted or immunotherapy drugs, tailored to your Melanoma stage and overall condition.

What is Melanoma?

Melanoma usually appears as a new or changing mole and can occur on any parts of the body, including the trunk, legs, arms, and face. Less common types include ocular melanoma (in the eye) and mucosal melanoma, which can affect the mucous membranes.

Melanoma may arise from normal moles or spontaneously from normal skin. It’s often linked to ultraviolet light exposure from the sun or sunbeds, particularly in people with fair skin, a family history, or a history of intense sun exposure.

Stages of Melanoma

Melanoma stage helps determine the appropriate type of treatment. Early stages like Stage II melanoma may be managed with surgery alone, while advanced melanoma or metastatic melanoma often requires systemic cancer treatment.

Staging is based on the depth of the tumour, spread to nearby lymph nodes, and involvement of distant lymph nodes or organs. Each stage of the melanoma is critical to planning your care.

Overview of Melanoma Treatment

Surgical Options

Surgery is often the main treatment for primary melanoma. The most common approach is wide local excision, where the tumour and a margin of healthy tissue are removed. If needed, a skin graft may be used to repair the area.

To assess if melanoma has spread, a sentinel lymph node biopsy may be performed. If cancer cells are found, lymph node dissection may follow to remove additional nearby lymph nodes.

Non-Surgical Therapies

Non-surgical options play a vital role in melanoma treatment, especially when surgery is not the only treatment needed. These include:

• Radiation therapy: delivered by a radiation oncologist to target melanoma cells

• Immunotherapy drugs such as immune checkpoint inhibitors that activate T cells in the immune system

• Targeted therapies like BRAF inhibitors and MEK inhibitors to treat tumours with specific gene changes

The Role of Perioperative Care in Melanoma Treatment

Preoperative Phase

Before surgery, thorough assessment is key. This phase includes:

• Diagnosis of melanoma through skin biopsy

• Imaging and blood tests to assess spread and general health

• Staging scans to determine the melanoma stage and surgical options

• Discussion of risks and benefits with a multidisciplinary team, including health professionals like surgical oncologists and specialist nurses

Some patients may receive neoadjuvant therapy - treatment given before surgery to shrink the tumour and improve surgical outcomes. This will be discussed with you promptly so you can start this treatment without delay.

Surgical Phase

Surgery aims to fully remove the primary melanoma. Techniques include:

• Wide local excision

• Lymph node dissection if nodes are involved

• Rare cases may require limb perfusion or limb infusion for regional disease

Dr. Wilson’s healthcare professionals ensure that the surgery is as precise and comfortable as possible.

Preparation and Expectations

On the day of surgery, you’ll be cared for by a team that includes a surgeon, anaesthetist, and specialist nurse. Dr. Wilson’s clinic works with London's best plastic surgeons and dermatologists to ensure safety and success throughout the procedure.

Postoperative Phase

Recovery and Wound Care

After melanoma surgery, healing time varies based on the areas of the body treated and whether skin grafts were needed. You’ll be given clear guidance on wound care and activity limits.

Adjuvant Therapies

Patients with higher risk of recurrence may be offered adjuvant therapy such as:

• Immune checkpoint inhibitors to stimulate your immune cells

• Radiation therapy to reduce the chance of melanoma spread

• Targeted cancer drugs based on the tumour’s genetic profile

Monitoring for Recurrence

Long-term follow-up includes:

• Routine skin checks and blood tests

• Scans to detect any signs of recurrent melanoma

• Reviewing symptoms like fatigue, lumps, or skin changes

Advanced Treatment Options

Immunotherapy and Targeted Therapies

In advanced melanoma, immunotherapy drugs play a central role. Agents like nivolumab and pembrolizumab activate your T cells to fight cancer cells. Side effects may involve the immune system attacking healthy tissue, so expert monitoring is key.

Targeted therapy drugs such as BRAF inhibitors and MEK inhibitors work on tumours with specific gene changes, slowing growth and reducing spread.

Clinical Trials and Emerging Research

One important recent example is the NADINA trial, a recent phase 3 study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology (2024). This trial compared traditional adjuvant therapy with a neoadjuvant approach using immune checkpoint inhibitors (ipilimumab and nivolumab) for patients with resectable stage III melanoma. The neoadjuvant strategy showed a significant benefit in event-free survival, supporting the value of perioperative immunotherapy in high-risk melanoma care.

Dr. Wilson regularly refers eligible patients to clinical trials of new treatments. Many trials test novel cancer drugs, radiation therapy methods, or combination therapies. Sites like the National Cancer Institute, American Cancer Society, and UK clinical trial registries offer trusted cancer information.

Participation in a research study can offer access to cutting-edge treatments and improve future outcomes for others.

Why Choose Dr. James Wilson's Clinic?

Expertise in Perioperative Melanoma Care

Dr. Wilson is a respected cancer care leader in the UK. With training in both surgery and oncology, he delivers fully integrated melanoma treatment with a focus on optimal outcomes and patient comfort.

Personalised Treatment Plans

No two cases are the same. Your treatment decisions are made with your input, family needs, and overall health in mind. Dr. Wilson works with a full multidisciplinary team to deliver the most appropriate type of treatment for each patient.

State-of-the-Art Facilities and Technology

From your first consultation to follow-up, Dr. Wilson’s clinic ensures the highest standard of care. With access to the latest therapies, scans, and surgical techniques, patients receive best-in-class support through every phase of care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Melanoma Curable?

Yes, early melanoma can often be cured with surgery. Advanced melanoma is more challenging, but new cancer drugs and immunotherapy have dramatically improved outcomes, with many patients experiencing long-term disease control.

What Are the Side Effects of Melanoma Treatment?

Side effects depend on the type of treatment and stage of melanoma. Surgery may cause pain or scarring; systemic treatments may cause fatigue or immune reactions. Most are manageable with support from your health professionals. All potential side effects will be discussed with you before starting treatment.

How Long Does Recovery Take After Surgery?

Recovery varies by Melanoma stage, surgical technique, and areas of your body affected. Most patients resume normal activities within weeks. Your specialist team will guide you through every step and provide the aftercare you need to get back to normal life as soon as possible..

Call to Action

Schedule Your Consultation Today

If you or a family member has been diagnosed with melanoma or you're worried about a suspicious mole, don’t wait. Dr. James Wilson and his team offer compassionate, expert-led melanoma treatment tailored to your needs.

Call +44 (0)20 7993 6716 or email info@drjameswilson.co.uk to book your appointment. Alternatively, click here to provide your contact details.

For trusted, personalised care in the UK, choose a clinic that puts your health and peace of mind first. Visit our website for more details or to read about other cancer types we treat.

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Next review: June 2026