Treatment Options for Malignant Melanoma
Option 1 – Excision
TIME OF PROCEDURE
30 minutes
COST
Lower $350-$800
WHEN WE RECOMMEND
Melanoma on trunk or extremities that has depth to it but not too deep
SUTURES TYPICALLY USED
Yes
CURE RATE
Usually >90%
SCAR FROM EXCISION
Usually a straight line
Option 2 – Delayed Closure
TIME OF PROCEDURE
Multiple 30 minute appointments every day until cancer is successfully removed
COST
Intermediate: $600-$2000
WHEN WE RECOMMEND
Really only used for melanomas on surface of skin which have no depth (called melanoma in situ or lentigo maligna)
SUTURES TYPICALLY USED
Yes
CURE RATE
Usually >90%
SCAR FROM EXCISION
Variable
Option 3 – Hospital
TIME OF TREATMENT
Incredibly variable depending on needed treatment
COST
High – varies depending on treatment
WHEN WE RECOMMEND
Deep melanomas or melanomas that have spread and possibly created more complicated cases
SUTURES TYPICALLY USED
Yes
CURE RATE
Variable
SCAR FROM EXCISION
Variable