Skin Cancer, Melanoma (cont.) IN THIS ARTICLE Surgical removal
(excision) of the affected skin is the most effective treatment
for melanoma. Excision involves removing the entire melanoma
along with a border (margin) of normal-appearing skin. More
treatment may be needed based on the stage of the melanoma.
Melanoma may be cured if caught and treated in its early stages
when it affects only the skin. If melanoma is confined to the
skin (primary melanoma), you will have surgery to remove the
affected skin. If the melanoma is thin and has not invaded
surrounding tissues, excision may cure the melanoma. In more
advanced stages, melanoma may spread, or metastasize, to other
organs and bones, requiring additional treatment such as
radiation, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy. Treatments used for
melanoma include: Side effects of treatment The side effects of
treatment for melanoma will depend on the type of treatment you
have and your age and overall health. The side effects of
surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation may