What Is the Treatment of Melanoma Skin Cancer in Beachwood, OH?

Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer—and when detected early, it is also one of the most treatable. As cases continue to rise across the country, timely diagnosis and expert care become more important than ever. At Western Reserve Dermatology in Beachwood, OH, patients receive compassionate, evidence-based treatment tailored to the stage and nature of their melanoma.

This comprehensive guide explains how melanoma is treated, what to expect during diagnosis, and why choosing a trusted dermatology practice matters for your long-term health.

Understanding Melanoma: A Quick Overview

Melanoma begins in the melanocytes, the skin cells responsible for producing melanin (skin pigment). While it often develops on sun-exposed areas, melanomas can appear anywhere—including the scalp, soles, and even under the nails. Some patients first notice warning signs while seeking general skin cancer services such as changes in moles or non-healing spots.

Common signs of melanoma include:

• A mole that changes in size, shape, or color
• A new, unusual growth
• A dark streak under a nail
• A spot that bleeds or doesn’t heal

Early detection is key. When caught, thin melanomas can often be cured with minor surgery. Advanced cases may require additional treatment, but survival rates are highest when patients seek prompt evaluation.

How Melanoma Is Diagnosed at Western Reserve Dermatology

A proper diagnosis determines the most effective and safest treatment path.

1. Full-Body Skin Examination

Dermatologists perform a thorough evaluation of all skin surfaces, looking for lesions that match melanoma warning signs.

2. Dermoscopy

A specialized handheld device allows dermatologists to examine pigment patterns beneath the skin’s surface for better accuracy.

3. Skin Biopsy

If a suspicious lesion is found, a biopsy is performed to confirm whether melanoma cells are present. The biopsy also provides essential details regarding:

• Thickness (Breslow depth)
• Level of invasion
• Presence of ulceration

These factors help determine the stage of melanoma and guide treatment decisions.

Melanoma Treatment Options in Beachwood, OH

Treatment varies depending on the stage of melanoma, how deeply it has penetrated the skin, and whether it has spread to lymph nodes or other organs. Below are the main treatments available at Western Reserve Dermatology and through collaborative care when advanced interventions are needed.

1. Surgical Excision: The Primary Treatment for Early Melanoma

For most early-stage melanomas, surgical removal is the gold standard.

What the procedure involves

• The dermatologist removes the melanoma along with a margin of surrounding healthy tissue.
• The margin ensures complete removal and reduces recurrence.
• Performed under local anesthesia in most cases.

Who benefits most

Patients with Stage 0–I melanoma, where the tumor is thin and confined to the outer skin layers.

Recovery and outcomes

• Mild soreness for a few days
• High cure rate
• Minimal scarring with proper care

2. Mohs Micrographic Surgery (For Select Cases)

Although typically used for basal and squamous cell cancers, Mohs surgery can be used for certain melanomas, especially lentigo maligna melanoma on the face or other cosmetically sensitive areas.

Advantages of Mohs for Melanoma

• Removes cancer layer by layer while preserving healthy skin
• Ensures clear margins
• High success rate
• Helps maintain optimal cosmetic results

Because melanoma behaves differently than other skin cancers, Mohs is performed using specialized stains and techniques that allow for accurate examination of melanoma cells.

3. Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy (SLNB)

If melanoma is thicker than 0.8 mm or shows signs of aggression, the dermatologist may recommend a sentinel lymph node biopsy.

Why SLNB is important

• Determines whether cancer has spread to the lymphatic system
• Guides the next steps in treatment
• Helps stage the melanoma accurately

How it works

A tracer identifies the first lymph node (sentinel node) that drains from the tumor site. If the node contains cancer cells, further treatment or lymph node removal may be required.

4. Immunotherapy: Boosting the Body’s Defense System

For melanomas that spread beyond the skin, immunotherapy has become one of the most effective modern treatments.

Common immunotherapy drugs include:

• Pembrolizumab
• Nivolumab
• Ipilimumab

Benefits

• Helps the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells
• Improves survival even in advanced melanoma
• Can be used after surgery to reduce recurrence

Possible side effects

• Fatigue
• Fever
• Skin rash
• Immune-related inflammation

Patients are monitored closely to manage any side effects early.

5. Targeted Therapy: Precision-Based Treatment

About half of melanomas have a mutation in the BRAF gene. For these patients, targeted therapy blocks cancer growth at the molecular level.

Common targeted drugs:

• BRAF inhibitors (e.g., vemurafenib, dabrafenib)
• MEK inhibitors (e.g., trametinib)

When it's used

• For advanced melanoma
• When melanoma has spread or cannot be surgically removed
• In combination with immunotherapy in certain cases

Benefits

• Fast tumor shrinkage
• Effective for patients with known mutations

6. Radiation Therapy

Radiation is not typically the first treatment for melanoma but may be recommended when:

• The melanoma cannot be fully removed surgically
• Lymph nodes are involved
• The cancer has spread to the brain, bones, or other areas

It helps reduce symptoms and lower the risk of recurrence.

7. Clinical Trials for Advanced Melanoma

Beachwood-area patients may qualify for clinical trials offering access to cutting-edge therapies.

Why consider clinical trials?

• Opportunity to receive new, promising treatments
• Close monitoring by specialists
• Contribution to melanoma research

Your dermatologist can guide you regarding appropriate clinical trial options.

Post-Treatment Care and Follow-Up

Melanoma survivors require lifelong monitoring due to the risk of recurrence or development of new skin cancers. Many patients who have undergone malignant melanoma care continue monitoring to ensure long-term health.

Follow-up typically includes:

• Skin exams every 3–12 months
• Lymph node checks
• Imaging tests for advanced cases
• Self-checks at home

Protective strategies

• Daily SPF 30+ sunscreen
• Protective clothing and hats
• Avoid tanning beds
• Seek shade during peak sun hours
• Perform regular mole checks

Why Choose Western Reserve Dermatology in Beachwood, OH?

Western Reserve Dermatology provides comprehensive care tailored to each patient’s diagnosis and stage of melanoma. Their experienced dermatologists offer:

• Expertise in early detection
• Advanced surgical techniques
• Collaborative care for complex cases
• Personalized treatment plans
• Preventive education and ongoing support

Their patient-centered approach ensures that every individual receives the highest level of care and comfort.

Conclusion

Melanoma skin cancer is serious, but with early detection and expert treatment, patients can achieve excellent outcomes. In Beachwood, OH, Western Reserve Dermatology provides the specialized care, technology, and support needed to diagnose and treat melanoma effectively.

If you’ve noticed a suspicious mole or want a professional skin exam, schedule an appointment today. Protecting your skin now can safeguard your future health.