Melanoma

Treatment and support that's anything but skin-deep

Our approach to melanoma care

Your skin is unique and we believe its care should be, too. That's why we take a personalized approach to diagnosing and treating skin cancers like melanoma. 

We know melanoma affects more than your physical health. WellSpan assembles a team focused on you, not just your condition. 

From medical expertise to emotional support to future planning, we help you navigate every moment of your care.

Signs and symptoms of melanoma

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that affects the pigment of your skin. While melanoma normally surfaces as a new mark, it can also come from an existing mole. 

Everyone’s situation is different, but factors like excessive sun exposure or fair skin can increase your risk. Common signs and symptoms include:

  • a new, flat mole with uneven edges
  • a change in size, shape or color of an existing mole
  • a mole with an irregular border or multiple colors
  • a mole that's larger than 1/4 inch (6 mm) in diameter
  • a lump or mole that's itchy, tender or bleeding
  • swollen lymph nodes
  • weight loss
  • fatigue

When to seek care for melanoma

If you're experiencing one or more of the symptoms above, check with your doctor. Early detection of melanoma increases your chances of successful treatment.

Our steps to a diagnosis

Moles and marks on your skin can be confusing to the untrained eye. We understand that melanoma can be a scary word. That's where our experts come in. 

We'll help you get the accurate answers you need. Here's what to expect during our diagnosis process:

  • Your doctor will start by checking your skin for visual signs of melanoma.
  • If your doctor suspects melanoma, a sample of tissue (biopsy) will be removed and tested.
  • If your biopsy shows melanoma, you may be tested to find out if it has spread to your lymph nodes.

Our treatment options

The good news is that melanoma is quite treatable. If it’s caught early, there's a 99 percent survival rate. 

We get to know you personally as well as a full understanding of your diagnosis. This allows us to develop a treatment plan that's truly personalized to your preferences, concerns and safety. 

Our treatment options include:

  • surgery to remove the cancer: the type of surgery will depend on the disease's location and size.
  • immunotherapy: a pill, injection or infusion that uses your body's own immune system to fight cancer
  • targeted therapy: pills or injections that target specific molecules or proteins involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells 
  • chemotherapy: cancer-killing drugs given as a pill, injection or infusion
  • radiation therapy: high-energy X-rays that kill cancer cells, given externally or internally

Collaboration with Johns Hopkins Medicine Kimmel Cancer Center

You have a team of global experts close to home. Our collaboration with Johns Hopkins Medicine Kimmel Cancer Center in Baltimore gives you access to a world-class second-opinion, clinical trials and advanced genomics.

One-on-one nurse navigation

We understand there's more to cancer than the disease itself. Attention to your needs and concerns is important to your care.

We pair you with a nurse navigator who handles all the details like scheduling, messaging doctors and supporting you on a personal level.

Treatment close to home

Cancer treatment often requires frequent office visits. Keeping you close to family and home makes a big difference.

We have cancer centers in Adams, Franklin, Lancaster, Lebanon and York Counties for convenient care when you need it most.

Notable accreditations and certifications

Take heart knowing you're in the most capable hands. The WellSpan Cancer Institute and our expert dermatology team are backed by several noteworthy accreditations and certifications from third-party boards and quality controllers.