Melanoma

Melanoma, the most aggressive form of skin cancer, develops in the pigment-producing cells of the skin.

Although factors like sun exposure and skin tone affect your melanoma risk level, this type of skin cancer can develop in anyone and can appear in unexpected areas such as the eyes, mouth, nails or parts of the body typically covered by clothing.

While melanoma accounts for only about one percent of skin cancer cases, it causes the majority of skin cancer-related deaths. Early detection and aggressive treatment are critical to improving outcomes.

At the Cancer Center at UM Capital Region Health in Largo, we use cutting-edge technologies to detect melanoma at its earliest stages when treatment is most effective. After a visual exam identifies an area of concern, we perform molecular testing to pinpoint specific gene mutations that drive cancer growth. This allows us to personalize treatment plans and provide the most targeted and effective care for our patients.

Meet Our Melanoma Care Team

Melanoma Symptoms

Melanoma can develop anywhere on the body and early detection is important. The most common signs include changes in moles (asymmetry, irregular borders, color) or skin lesions.

Other symptoms include:

• Redness, swelling or new growths near a mole
• Bleeding, oozing, or scaliness
• Dark streaks under the nails (subungual melanoma)
• Itching, tenderness, or pain in a mole or skin lesion

Melanoma Treatments

Our treatment approach is highly individualized, taking into account factors such as the stage of cancer, its genetic makeup and the patient’s overall health. Our advanced imaging technologies, including PET/CT, allow for precise staging of the cancer and assessing the response to treatment.

• Surgical removal - Our surgeon works with our medical oncology team, who can provide advanced mapping that allows for precise removal of the lesion. Our surgeon may perform lymph node biopsies to assess the spread of the disease.
• Immunotherapy - Treatments such as checkpoint inhibitors (PD-1 and CTLA-4), which have revolutionized advanced melanoma treatment.
• Targeted therapy - This type of chemotherapy has been shown to produce remarkable response rates for patients with a specific mutation (BRAF).

Supportive Care

We are dedicated to providing comprehensive, compassionate care that supports patients throughout their cancer journey. Our survivorship program focuses on long-term wellness, offering ongoing monitoring and management of any potential after-effects of treatment. 

With a commitment to advanced technology and patient-centered care, the Cancer Center at UM Capital Region Health strives to achieve the best possible outcomes for melanoma patients.

Our Melanoma Care Team

Our comprehensive team of specialists works together to ensure that each patient receives personalized treatment, based on their unique needs. 

Contact Us

To learn more about melanoma cancer treatments, schedule an appointment or make a referral, call us at 240-677-8300.