Treating Locally Advanced Melanoma
Some forms of melanoma return as multiple lesions on the skin that cannot be removed. This condition is called satellite or in-transit disease and is treated with medications often used to treat skin cancer. Duke specializes in this kind of treatment, which may also include immunotherapy or targeted gene therapy.
Intralesional Therapy
During outpatient visits to our clinic, your doctor will use a needle to inject a high concentration of medication directly into your tumor to kill tumor cells. Depending on the severity of your melanoma, you'll receive an injection every two to three weeks until the tumor is gone.
Regional Chemotherapy
A high dose of chemotherapy is delivered only to the affected area through a catheter placed in a vein or under your skin. This is an outpatient, one-time treatment and is used with other therapies.
Radiation Therapy
Precision X-rays destroy cancer cells or shrink tumors. This outpatient procedure can reduce pain. It may be used with surgery to prevent cancer from recurring or to treat cancer that has spread.
Skin Grafting and Reconstructive Surgery
After a cancer is surgically removed, you may need a skin graft or rotational flap procedure. Healthy skin is taken from another part of your body and used to cover wounds, promote healing, and restore your skin’s appearance. The site may take three weeks to heal.
Leaders in Melanoma Treatment and Research
The Duke Cancer Institute
The Duke Cancer Institute brings together the extensive resources of Duke University, Duke Health, and the Duke Comprehensive Cancer Center. We are committed to making innovative discoveries, developing new ways to prevent, diagnose, and treat cancer, and delivering those therapies in a patient- and family-centric way.
Your Melanoma Team
Your team of doctors may include dermatologists, medical oncologists, surgical oncologists, radiation oncologists, otolaryngologists (ear, nose and throat doctors), plastic and reconstructive surgeons, and oculoplastic facial surgeons. They work together to identify the most effective treatment to ensure you experience the best possible outcome.
Expertise in Head and Neck Melanoma
Our experienced ear, nose, and throat surgeons are specially trained in removing melanoma on the head and neck.
Ocular Melanoma Treatment Options
Our ophthalmologists are experts in detecting and treating melanoma that occurs around or near the eye.
Compassionate Care for Pediatric Melanoma
If your child is diagnosed with melanoma, we make the treatment process as easy as possible. Appointments with your oncologist and dermatologist can be conveniently scheduled at the same time and location, and a child life specialist will be present to ensure your child feels comfortable.
