Melanoma, also known as malignant melanoma, is a cancer of the skin that forms within the melanocytes, or pigment-containing cells. The most prevalent cause of melanoma is linked to ultraviolet light (UV) exposure. According to the American Cancer Society, cancers of the skin are the most prevalent cancers. While melanoma only makes up 1% of skin cancers, it is responsible for the highest number of skin cancer fatalities.

There are many ways to treat melanoma. However, first several exams and screenings will need to take place to determine the stage and progression of the cancer:

1. Mole screening
This is a testing procedure that the doctors will perform to identify the stage of the melanoma. This can be done with a small device, where the doctor evaluates the shape, pigment, and the size of the lesions. Another screening process that is commonly used is confocal scanning, where the doctor will use laser technology for the examination. The screening process is painless.

2. Early treatment with biopsy
This is a clinical step taken for those who detect the melanoma in the early stages. The melanoma is removed surgically through biopsy, and most people who undergo this treatment usually will not require any further treatment. The lesion and tissue as well as the border along the melanoma are removed.

3. Beyond skin biopsies
While biopsies are still considered the main screening and treatment for suspicious-looking moles, advances in technology have introduced several alternative treatments, such as:

• Radiation: A therapy that destroys cancer cells using intense radiation.
• Chemotherapy: A therapy that employs oral or intravenous drugs to kill cancer cells.
• Immunotherapy: Adjuvant treatment with immunotherapy (i.e., keytruda, opdivo, ipilimumab, or pembrolizumab) may reduce the risk of returning melanoma.
• Surgical removal: A wide local excision to remove a larger tumor followed by skin grafting to cover surgical wounds.