What should you know about top melanoma oncologists?

Melanoma care may involve a dermatologist, surgical oncologist, medical oncologist, pathologist and radiology team. They assess the original lesion, biopsy findings, lymph nodes and any areas that need imaging. The aim is to establish the extent of disease before recommending treatment. Care for melanoma can include surgical excision, sentinel lymph node biopsy, wider skin cancer surgery or tumour removal surgery. Some people may also be offered immunotherapy when disease features and staging make it appropriate.

The right specialist is not defined by a marketing label. Look for experience with melanoma, access to multidisciplinary review, an explanation of alternatives and a plan for monitoring after treatment. If melanoma has spread, the team should explain what that means in plain language and how symptoms or scans will guide the next decision.

Bring your pathology report, scan results, medication list, previous procedure details and a written list of changing moles or symptoms. Ask who will coordinate appointments and who to contact between visits. Request a written summary of the proposed stage, treatment goals, expected recovery and follow-up schedule. A second specialist opinion can be useful when surgery, immunotherapy or treatment for spread is being considered.

Contact your oncology team promptly for a rapidly changing or bleeding lesion, a new lump near the treated area, persistent unexplained pain, worsening headache, new weakness, confusion, breathing difficulty or marked swelling. These symptoms do not establish the cause, but they deserve timely assessment, particularly in someone already diagnosed with melanoma.

Ask: What does the pathology show? What tests are needed for staging? Is surgery recommended, and what tissue would be removed? Would a sentinel lymph node biopsy change the plan? Which treatments are suitable for my situation? How will side effects be managed? When should follow-up begin?