In short
Surgery is the main treatment for early melanoma — a wider excision, and sometimes a sentinel node biopsy. Immunotherapy or targeted drugs are used if the melanoma has spread or is at high risk of coming back. Stage 1 survival is over 90%. World Aid Network funds treatment overseas for patients who cannot pay. We do not fund UK private immunotherapy or research trials.
A skin cancer multidisciplinary team plans care. BRAF gene tests decide whether certain targeted tablets are an option in advanced disease.
What does wider excision mean?
Extra skin is taken around the original site. The margin depends on Breslow thickness. Plastic surgery is sometimes needed on the face or hands.
When are immunotherapy or targeted drugs used?
For stage 3 or 4 disease, and sometimes after surgery when the risk of relapse is high. These drugs are specialist oncology treatments with immune-related side effects that need prompt reporting.
Help a patient afford cancer care
Gifts go to the Cancer Emergency Appeal’s wider fund for patients who cannot pay. They do not buy a guaranteed treatment or result.
Donate to cancer careWhat World Aid Network will and will not fund
We pay clinical bills at partner hospitals in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia when a licensed oncologist has recommended a treatment the hospital can actually give. We do not run immunotherapy trials or UK private care.
Key takeaways
- Surgery cures most early melanomas.
- Immunotherapy is for later or high-risk disease.
- WAN funds overseas access, not research.
Care like this is out of reach for millions
The diagnosis, screening and treatment described here are routine in the UK. In Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia, poverty can put them out of reach. The Cancer Emergency Appeal raises funds towards clinically recommended care for patients who cannot pay; gifts go to the wider fund and do not buy a guaranteed treatment or result.
Frequently asked questions
Will I need chemotherapy?
Classic chemotherapy is rarely first-line for melanoma now. Immunotherapy and targeted drugs are.
Can melanoma come back years later?
It can. Report a new lump, cough or unexplained weight loss, and keep checking your skin.
Do you fund Keytruda overseas?
Only if a partner hospital uses that class of drug and has recommended it. We do not promise named brand access.
Editorial summary of published sources. A named oncology clinician has not signed off this guide. Use it to prepare questions for your healthcare team, not to diagnose symptoms or choose treatment. Editorial responsibility: Kaiser Khan. Updated 4 October 2026.
What are the sources for this guide?
Follow the original guidance for its evidence, dates and limitations. General background references are not a clinical review of this page.