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The main treatments for advanced melanoma are chemotherapy|, biological therapies|, radiotherapy| and surgery|.
When a melanoma has spread to other, more distant parts of the body, it can no longer be cured. But treatments can usually be given to help shrink and control the secondary cancer or cancers and relieve symptoms. These treatments may be used alone or in combination.
Chemotherapy| and biological therapies| are commonly used to help control or shrink the growth of advanced melanoma.
Radiotherapy| can be used to help control symptoms if melanoma has spread to the brain|, liver|, bones| or the skin.
Surgery| may sometimes be used to remove secondary tumours (tumours that have spread to other parts of the body, such as distant lymph nodes, the brain, bowel or skin). It’s normally used if there’s only limited spread of the cancer.
Other treatments may sometimes be used for advanced melanoma, specifically to treat skin nodules. They include laser therapy| and isolated limb perfusion or infusion with chemotherapy|.
Watch Amanda's story of coping with advanced cancer.
For answers, support or just a chat, call the Macmillan Support Line free (Monday to Friday, 9am-8pm)
If you have any questions about cancer, need support or just want someone to talk to, ask Macmillan.