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Our team of compassionate, highly trained urologists provides comprehensive treatment options tailored to your individual needs. We’re here to guide you with expertise, respect, and care — every step of the way.
Texas Oncology is a leader in groundbreaking cancer research and clinical trials in Texas, paving the way for new breakthroughs in cancer care.
The causes of melanoma are not well-understood; however, researchers have identified risk factors that can increase a patient’s risk of developing the disease:
Patients with melanoma-prone family members have a 50% risk of developing melanoma by age 50. Genetic testing is recommended for patients with multiple primary melanomas or multiple family members with melanomas. Certain genes can increase a patient’s risk of developing melanoma like:
Moles
Most moles are harmless, but some can be a sign of melanoma. If you have moles, it is important to check them for melanoma by applying the ABCDE rule:
Fair skin
Melanoma is more common in individuals who have fair skin and red or blond hair. People with fairer complexions tend to burn more easily, placing them at a higher risk of developing melanoma.
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation
Too much UV radiation can increase a patient’s risk of melanoma. Main sources of UV radiation are tanning beds and the sun.
Weakened immune system
Patients with a weakened immune system, such as those with history of an organ transplant, are at increased risk of developing melanoma. This decreases your immune system’s ability to locate and eliminate cancer cells.
Severe sunburn
Individuals who have had one or more severe, blistering sunburns, especially as a child or teenager, are at an increased risk for developing melanoma. The risk of melanoma is greater in individuals who have had occasional but intense UV exposure.
The signs and symptoms for melanoma most commonly include a change in the way a mole or pigmented area of the skin appears. A change in skin appearance is not always caused by melanoma or other skin cancers, but changes should be brought to your doctor’s attention. The most common signs and symptoms of melanoma are:
A pre-existing mole that:
A new mole that:
Texas Oncology specialists are equipped to diagnose melanoma and may use the following tests:
This procedure involves removing a small sample of skin to examine under the microscope. This is most often performed by the patient’s primary dermatologist or primary care physician to establish a new diagnosis.
A technique used to detect small amounts of melanoma in lymph nodes. During this procedure, a tracer (blue dye) is injected into the area of the primary melanoma. This tracer identifies the sentinel lymph node, which is the first lymph node that could potentially be involved with melanoma. The sentinel lymph node is surgically removed and examined under a microscope.
The goal of this test is to find specific markers and changes in a cancer’s DNA to find targets that can be treated with specialized cancer medicines.
A CT scan provides detailed images of body tissues and organs to determine the extent and spread of melanoma.
Using magnetic fields and radio waves, MRIs produce detailed images of tumors and distinguish between healthy and diseased tissue.
A PET scan is an imaging test that injects a radioactive substance called tracers to create images of the body, showing how the body is functioning on a metabolic level.
Used to detect cancer spread to the bones. A radioactive substance is injected, which collects in areas of abnormal bone growth and is then scanned to measure radioactivity. These tests assist in diagnosing melanoma and assessing its spread, which is crucial for determining the appropriate treatment plan.
Melanoma treatment is not one size fits all. That is why we personalize your treatment plan based on factors like age, medical history, general health, and treatment goals. Treatment for melanoma may involve the following:
Early stage melanomas are highly curable; therefore, surgery may be utilized to treat the disease before it spreads. Most commonly, doctors may need to make wide local excisions (to remove) of the melanoma tumor and some healthy tissue to ensure complete removal and to prevent the cancer from returning. For those with higher risk, early stage melanomas, a sentinel lymph node biopsy may be performed to determine if there has been spread of melanoma to the lymph node tissue.
Using high-energy rays, radiation damages and destroys cancer cells. Radiation is sometimes used in the treatment of melanoma to decrease the risk of melanoma coming back or to kill tumors in a specific place such as the brain.
Systemic therapy involves the use of medications that travel through the bloodstream to reach and affect cancer cells all over the body. It includes treatments such as immunotherapy, targeted therapy, or chemotherapy, which can be used to treat more advanced melanoma.
Melanoma is thought to be a very immunogenic cancer, which means that the body’s immune system can recognize and attack it. Immunotherapy utilizes drugs, vaccines, and other therapies to activate the body's natural defenders to fight cancer. Several different types of immunotherapies have been approved and are currently used for treatment of melanoma:
These are drugs that help unlock the ability for the immune system to recognize and attack melanoma.
Modified viruses injected into tumors that help enhance the immune system’s response to the melanoma.
Specific white blood cells that are removed from the tumor environment, modified, and reinfused to help the immune system specifically target melanoma tumors.
Drugs engineered to bind to both cancer cells and to the immune system to help generate a targeted immune response against cancer.
These targeted therapies are designed to target melanomas that are driven by specific mutations. Nearly 40 to 50% of cutaneous melanomas will have a BRAF mutation. BRAF inhibitors combined with MEK inhibitors can be used to specifically target these mutations. The following combinations are approved by the FDA and used for the treatment of BRAF-positive melanoma:
Chemotherapy are medications administered through an IV and delivered to the entire body to shrink and kill cancer cells. While chemotherapy is not used frequently for melanoma treatment, it can be an option if immunotherapy or targeted therapy are no longer options.
Trusted expertise
Our specialists trained at leading institutions across the country. They bring their extensive knowledge and experience to each patient.
Personalized attention
With our care team, you receive an individualized evaluation and care plan. We are with you and your loved ones at every step, from diagnosis to treatment and beyond.
Experts close to home
We make it as easy as possible to access the care you need. With locations across the state, you are likely to find a provider near where you live and work.
Melanoma is a type of cancer that mainly affects the skin. In some cases, it may impact the eye and/or mucous membranes (vulva, vagina, lip, throat, esophagus, and perianal region). This cancer develops from melanocytes, which are cells that produce melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. At Texas Oncology, we are here to provide trusted expertise, advanced treatments, and individualized care every step of the way.
What sets Texas Oncology apart is our collaborative, patient-centered approach. With more than 550 physicians across the state, we offer world-class care close to home.
When you seek care with us, you can expect a personalized care plan, a dedicated team alongside you, and the latest advancements in cancer treatment, all designed to support you.
Melanoma is a diverse form of cancer that originates in melanocytes. The distinct types are characterized by their location and behavior. The main types of melanoma are:
Cutaneous melanoma: This is the most common type of melanoma. It originates in the skin’s melanocytes and typically starts in the epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin. Within cutaneous melanoma, there are several subtypes, such as superficial spreading, nodular, lentigo maligna, and acral lentiginous melanomas.
Ocular melanoma: Ocular melanoma is the second most common form of melanoma. It develops in the melanocytes of the eye, affecting areas such as the uveal tract and conjunctiva.
Mucosal melanoma: This rare form of melanoma affects the mucous membranes of the body, including areas like the sinuses, nasal passages, the mouth, vulva, vagina, and perianal region.
Melanoma with unknown primary (MUP): MUP is diagnosed when melanoma has spread to other spots in the body — like the lymph nodes, organs, or subcutaneous tissue (innermost layer of the skin) — without a detectable primary tumor site.
Pediatric melanoma: This rare cancer can occur in children under 18. Melanoma in children may look differently and requires a specialized treatment plan.
The causes of melanoma are not well-understood; however, researchers have identified risk factors that can increase a patient’s risk of developing the disease:
Patients with melanoma-prone family members have a 50% risk of developing melanoma by age 50. Genetic testing is recommended for patients with multiple primary melanomas or multiple family members with melanomas. Certain genes can increase a patient’s risk of developing melanoma like:
Moles
Most moles are harmless, but some can be a sign of melanoma. If you have moles, it is important to check them for melanoma by applying the ABCDE rule:
Fair skin
Melanoma is more common in individuals who have fair skin and red or blond hair. People with fairer complexions tend to burn more easily, placing them at a higher risk of developing melanoma.
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation
Too much UV radiation can increase a patient’s risk of melanoma. Main sources of UV radiation are tanning beds and the sun.
Weakened immune system
Patients with a weakened immune system, such as those with history of an organ transplant, are at increased risk of developing melanoma. This decreases your immune system’s ability to locate and eliminate cancer cells.
Severe sunburn
Individuals who have had one or more severe, blistering sunburns, especially as a child or teenager, are at an increased risk for developing melanoma. The risk of melanoma is greater in individuals who have had occasional but intense UV exposure.
Roughly two-thirds of melanoma cases are directly associated with UV radiation exposure. In order to reduce the risk of developing melanoma, it is important to limit exposure to UV radiation and avoid severe sunburns by:
The signs and symptoms for melanoma most commonly include a change in the way a mole or pigmented area of the skin appears. A change in skin appearance is not always caused by melanoma or other skin cancers, but changes should be brought to your doctor’s attention. The most common signs and symptoms of melanoma are:
A pre-existing mole that:
A new mole that:
Texas Oncology specialists are equipped to diagnose melanoma and may use the following tests:
This procedure involves removing a small sample of skin to examine under the microscope. This is most often performed by the patient’s primary dermatologist or primary care physician to establish a new diagnosis.
A technique used to detect small amounts of melanoma in lymph nodes. During this procedure, a tracer (blue dye) is injected into the area of the primary melanoma. This tracer identifies the sentinel lymph node, which is the first lymph node that could potentially be involved with melanoma. The sentinel lymph node is surgically removed and examined under a microscope.
The goal of this test is to find specific markers and changes in a cancer’s DNA to find targets that can be treated with specialized cancer medicines.
A CT scan provides detailed images of body tissues and organs to determine the extent and spread of melanoma.
Using magnetic fields and radio waves, MRIs produce detailed images of tumors and distinguish between healthy and diseased tissue.
A PET scan is an imaging test that injects a radioactive substance called tracers to create images of the body, showing how the body is functioning on a metabolic level.
Used to detect cancer spread to the bones. A radioactive substance is injected, which collects in areas of abnormal bone growth and is then scanned to measure radioactivity. These tests assist in diagnosing melanoma and assessing its spread, which is crucial for determining the appropriate treatment plan.
Melanoma treatment is not one size fits all. That is why we personalize your treatment plan based on factors like age, medical history, general health, and treatment goals. Treatment for melanoma may involve the following:
Early stage melanomas are highly curable; therefore, surgery may be utilized to treat the disease before it spreads. Most commonly, doctors may need to make wide local excisions (to remove) of the melanoma tumor and some healthy tissue to ensure complete removal and to prevent the cancer from returning. For those with higher risk, early stage melanomas, a sentinel lymph node biopsy may be performed to determine if there has been spread of melanoma to the lymph node tissue.
Using high-energy rays, radiation damages and destroys cancer cells. Radiation is sometimes used in the treatment of melanoma to decrease the risk of melanoma coming back or to kill tumors in a specific place such as the brain.
Systemic therapy involves the use of medications that travel through the bloodstream to reach and affect cancer cells all over the body. It includes treatments such as immunotherapy, targeted therapy, or chemotherapy, which can be used to treat more advanced melanoma.
Melanoma is thought to be a very immunogenic cancer, which means that the body’s immune system can recognize and attack it. Immunotherapy utilizes drugs, vaccines, and other therapies to activate the body's natural defenders to fight cancer. Several different types of immunotherapies have been approved and are currently used for treatment of melanoma:
These are drugs that help unlock the ability for the immune system to recognize and attack melanoma.
Modified viruses injected into tumors that help enhance the immune system’s response to the melanoma.
Specific white blood cells that are removed from the tumor environment, modified, and reinfused to help the immune system specifically target melanoma tumors.
Drugs engineered to bind to both cancer cells and to the immune system to help generate a targeted immune response against cancer.
These targeted therapies are designed to target melanomas that are driven by specific mutations. Nearly 40 to 50% of cutaneous melanomas will have a BRAF mutation. BRAF inhibitors combined with MEK inhibitors can be used to specifically target these mutations. The following combinations are approved by the FDA and used for the treatment of BRAF-positive melanoma:
Chemotherapy are medications administered through an IV and delivered to the entire body to shrink and kill cancer cells. While chemotherapy is not used frequently for melanoma treatment, it can be an option if immunotherapy or targeted therapy are no longer options.
Trusted expertise
Our specialists trained at leading institutions across the country. They bring their extensive knowledge and experience to each patient.
Personalized attention
With our care team, you receive an individualized evaluation and care plan. We are with you and your loved ones at every step, from diagnosis to treatment and beyond.
Experts close to home
We make it as easy as possible to access the care you need. With locations across the state, you are likely to find a provider near where you live and work.
