# Melanoma treatment: surgery, immunotherapy and survival

> Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/melanoma/treatment

## 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%.

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.

## What 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.

## Related pages in this guide

- Overview: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/melanoma
- ABCDE: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/melanoma/symptoms
- Biopsy: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/melanoma/tests
- Treatment: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/melanoma/treatment

## 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.

## How you can help

World Aid Network funds cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/cancer-emergency or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency

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This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health.