What do Khloe Kardashian, Bob Marley, and John McCain have in common? All of these celebrities have been diagnosed with melanoma — “the queen of cancers” and the most dangerous malignant disease? Cancer does not care whether you a famous person or just an ordinary guy.

Actually, tiny mole can cause terrifying cancer. Many people who read this article may ask: “So, how does melanoma look like? How to save yourself from the risk of skin cancer?” Let’s see how to determine the stage of melanoma and stay safe!

How does melanoma look like at an early stage?

A trick is hidden in the most unpredictable place! The early stage of melanoma does not differ from an ordinary mole, but when cancer develops “this mole” becomes thicker and changes its color to black, red or brown.

Why is it important to conduct regular self-examination? If you do not want to waste your money on expensive treatments, just look at your body! Have you found new growth? Immediately visit a doctor to prevent serious consequences.

Get a consultation

Melanoma at 0 stage (in situ)

Melanoma in situ stage 0

At 0 stage, skin cancer does not spread into the deep layers, it stays "in its place." Melanoma is like a small mole of intense black or red color. Its surface can have white, pink, blue blotches, but in general, the mole looks normal. This stage of melanoma is curable — specialists perform surgery to remove it. Bookimed has chosen the best solution for 0 stage treatment due to world-class oncologists and surgeons who will take care of you.



Anadolu Hospital

Anadolu Medical Center
Turkey, Istanbul
92% patients recommend

Anadolu Oncology Department aims to ensure a patient the best medical services combined with individual approach of “Patient Oriented Centered Care”. The Department uses the latest generation equipment such as Cyberknife, Da Vinci Robotic System, Truebeam. Working as affiliated partner of Johns Hopkins Medicine, Anadolu provides the US quality of services at affordable prices.

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Hospital certificates and accreditation of quality

International Organization for Standardization certificate for Anadolu Medical Center Joint Commission International  certificate for Anadolu Medical Center European Society for Medical Oncology certificate for Anadolu Medical Center Organisation of European Cancer Institutes Certificate certificate for Anadolu Medical Center  Johns Hopkins Medicine certificate for Anadolu Medical Center Patient Choice for Basic Check-up certificate for Anadolu Medical Center Patient choice in Oncology & Hematology Oncology certificate for Anadolu Medical Center International Accreditation System for Interventional Oncology Services (IASIOS) certificate for Anadolu Medical Center  Planetree's Gold Certificate certificate for Anadolu Medical Center

Latest review

Verified review.
Bookimed handed over our documents to Anadolu and the next day we were contacted by the curator Zakhida from Anadolu. The curator sent us a list of hotels with whom Anadolu cooperates under the contract (discount for Anadolu patients), made a reservation and organized a transfer from the airport to the hotel, made an appointment with doctors, for tests, PET CT, etc. and sent us a schedule for November 8. We arrived on November 7, we were met by a transfer from Anadolu and taken to the hotel. The next day, November 8, we went to Anadolu, we were met in the hall by the curator Zahida and the translator Muhamed. Our doctor Sinan. Analyzes, Pet CT, MRI, ultrasound of the heart and even the review of slides, the results are prepared quickly.
— Алибек
Kazakhstan, Nov 20, 2022
Nov 20, 2022 • Verified review.
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4.6
Melanoma surgery $8000 - $15000

At Anadolu, surgeons can remove early-stage melanoma during a biopsy and no treatment is required. Doctors also apply targeted therapy — this option may be used depending on the genetic structure of melanoma. Immunotherapy which boosts the patient’s immune system to fight cancer cells is also used to treat melanoma.

Book a consultation at Anadolu

Stage 1-2 melanoma

early stage Melanoma

At the first stage, melanoma is about 1 mm in size. The tumor can swell, gets thicker but is rarely covered with ulcers. “This mole” does not cause any pain even when you push on it.



Melanoma stage 2

At the 2nd stage, the tumor increases up to 2 mm and can be covered with ulcers. Sometimes, there are ray-like stripes on the skin around the tumor.

To avoid the increase of melanoma growth, pay attention to the following medical solution in Spain.



Teknon Hospital

Centro Médico Teknon
Spain, Barcelona
94% patients recommend
  • Recognized for excellence in Melanoma treatment with accreditations from Joint Commission International and awards like the IMTJ Medical Travel Award Winner in 2019.
  • Offers a range of Melanoma surgeries including Mohs microsurgery and wide excision, ensuring tailored treatment options for each patient.
  • Provides innovative Immunotherapy with (Pembolizumab), a targeted therapy for advanced Melanoma cases.
  • Home to a specialist oncologist with expertise in skin cancer treatment, ensuring patients receive care from highly qualified professionals.
  • Equipped with modern facilities and follows stringent safety protocols to ensure patient comfort and the best possible outcomes.
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Hospital certificates and accreditation of quality

Joint Commission International  certificate for Centro Médico Teknon European Foundation for Quality Management certificate for Centro Médico Teknon THE IMTJ MEDICAL TRAVEL AWARD WINNER IN 2019 certificate for Centro Médico Teknon Patient choice in Neurology certificate for Centro Médico Teknon Patient choice in Neurosurgery certificate for Centro Médico Teknon Patient choice for Epilepsy treatment certificate for Centro Médico Teknon World's Best Hospitals 2021 by Newsweek certificate for Centro Médico Teknon

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Verified review.
Great and thorough communication, after weeks of research we ended up choosing Prof. Oliver, had a Skype consultation and scheduled the surgery a few months later. My mother got the best care, the surgery went perfect despite all the risks associated with brain surgery. I can’t thank Prof. Oliver Bartolome enough, his skill is a gift from God! He was extremely kind and patient and answered all the questions throughout our hospital stay and follow up appointments. The surgery bought us +10 precious years with our mother which is priceless! The hospital is very clean, food is good and staff is friendly; great views of the Tibidabo from the hospital room and gorgeous green manicured gardens that lead to the main entrance. The place is huge, it took me a couple days to learn my way around from the parking to all the right departments.
— Stephanie
United States of America, Oct 3, 2019
Oct 3, 2019 • Verified review.
[object Object]:  Before and After Photos. Explore patients' results [object Object]:  Before and After Photos. Explore patients' results
4.7
Topical therapy of melanoma $5995.3 - $8175.41
Melanoma surgery $5995.3 - $8175.41
Wide excision of melanoma $5995.3 - $8175.41

How to get rid of melanoma at 1-2 stages? In Teknon Hospital, specialists provide MOHS, a surgical method to treat melanoma of 1 and 2 stages. A doctor precisely removes the skin with melanoma in very thin layers to eliminate the cancer cells totally. At Teknon, photodynamic therapy(PTD), a minimally-invasive technique is also applied — it helps to treat skin cancer at early stages involving light and a photosensitizing drug.

Get a consultation at Teknon

How does melanoma of the latest stages look like?

Stage 3 melanoma

Melanoma stage 3

Starting from stage 3, melanoma becomes significantly thicker and larger. It spreads to neighboring tissues and lymph nodes. In this case, the tumor gets covered by ulcers, and the general well-being of the patient is getting worse. Anyway, there are some innovative options, which can kill melanoma cells even at advanced stages.



Sourasky Hospital

Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov)
Israel, Tel Aviv
84% patients recommend

The oncology department of the State Sourasky Medical Center is the most demanding for the foreign patients. They choose State Sourasky Medical Center as the single point of the the best doctors, new equipment and affordable prices on melanoma treatment.

Melanoma diagnostics at State Sourasky Medical Center takes 3 to 4 days. It is necessary to revise the biopsy, BRAF mutation and PET CT diagnostics to define the treatment methods.

The treatment methods are:

  • Stereotactic body radiation by Gamma Knife;
  • Сhemotherapy and immunotherapy;
  • Innovative method of targeted therapy and biochemotherapy;
  • TIL protocole.
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Hospital certificates and accreditation of quality

World's Best Smart Hospitals 2021 by Newsweek certificate for Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov) World's Best Hospitals 2021 by Newsweek certificate for Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov) World's Best Hospitals 2020 by Newsweek certificate for Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov) Patient choice for Check-up certificate for Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov) Fastest treatment organization certificate for Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov) Joint Commission International  certificate for Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov) World's Best Specialized Hospitals 2022 by Newsweek certificate for Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov) World's Best Smart Hospitals 2023 by Newsweek certificate for Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov) World's Best Hospitals 2022 by Newsweek certificate for Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov)

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My brother has epilepsy .. Without a doubt, the Ichilov clinic is an excellent choice for examinations and treatment of various diseases. And the narrow specialization of doctors make it one of the best in the world. I am very grateful to the Bookimed consultants who helped me choose the Ichilov Medical Center. You really know what you pay money for! Thanks to my consultants, Ostap and Yulia for their work .. I tried to get in touch with the clinic directly, but through Bookimed I managed to organize everything quickly. You can just trust them and not worry. Help and in choosing a doctor and with housing. THANK!
— Дмитрий Пацукевич
Belarus, Oct 23, 2018
Oct 23, 2018 • Verified review.
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Is immunotherapy effective for melanoma patients? A new test can define this! At Sourasky, specialists carry out a new test that identifies whether patients with melanoma require immunotherapy or not.

Dr. Gilad Weiner, the Head of the laboratory says: “Medical Center Sourasky is the only one in Israel and one of the few in the world that has received FDA certification for this test.”

In 2013, the journal Science called immunotherapy the main scientific breakthrough in cancer treatment. Scientists have proved that a change in the processes between the tumor and the immune system can lead to an immune attack on the tumor. Now, Sourasky doctors apply immunotherapy to treat patients with metastatic melanoma.

Get a consultation at Sourasky

Stage 4 melanoma

late stage of melanoma

Melanoma at the stage 4 is characterized by extensive damage to the tissues. Tumor affects the lymph nodes and distant organs. At the stage 4, melanoma grows into the deep layers of the skin and spreads (metastasized) throughout the body. Patients with the latest melanoma stage can find an appropriate treatment in the hospital represented below.



Medipol Hospital

Medipol Mega University Hospital
Turkey, Istanbul
86% patients recommend
  • Recognized for its comprehensive Melanoma treatment, including surgery, topical therapy, Mohs microsurgery, wide excision, and immunotherapy.
  • Offers Immunotherapy with (Pembolizumab), a modern approach to treating Melanoma.
  • Awarded with Patient choice in Pediatric Oncology & Hematology Oncology, ensuring trust and quality care.
  • Dr. Ozcan Yildiz, an expert in Medical Oncology with numerous scholarly articles and a focus on oncological diseases.
  • Dr. Yildiz's research includes neuroendocrine tumors, lipid-lowering treatment, and various other oncological studies.
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Hospital certificates and accreditation of quality

Joint Commission International  certificate for Medipol Mega University Hospital Patient choice in Pediatric Oncology & Hematology Oncology certificate for Medipol Mega University Hospital

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Verified review.
Hello, my name is Vladislav Ivanov, Ukraine, Odessa city. In February 2021, my daughter Vlada was diagnosed with anaplastic ependymoma, we went to the doctors for a week trying to find out why the child started having severe headaches. They went through examinations, did an MRI, and as a fact, they found a brain tumor. That's when the ground slipped from under my feet. Realization has come - this has already happened, which means you need to quickly take action. The first thing we did was go to the children's hospital in Kyiv, the child was given a shunt. But unfortunately, fluid began to collect in my head and my vision began to fall sharply. The doctors explained that an operation was urgently needed. We did not have a large accumulated amount, and we decided to complete the operation abroad. We contacted Bookmed. We contacted the employee Marina. Marina quickly found a clinic for us in Turkey, organized a trip for us, flew to Turkey in a matter of days. The hospital was already waiting for us. Examined, took blood for tests and the next day an operation was scheduled. Everything went well. Then they underwent a course of radiotherapy. The results are positive, we were sent home to Ukraine (August 2021). Every 3 months they underwent MRI, the pictures were good .. But a year later, in March 2022, we heard the terrible words “relapse”, “war”. Hastily collected the necessary documents and left for Lviv. From there, by large buses, all children with cancer began to be taken out along the humanitarian corridor from Ukraine to Europe. The daughter and his wife were assigned to France. A second operation was performed, the tumor was removed, and after that a course of chemotherapy was prescribed. After a month of taking the course, the doctor said that chemotherapy was not helping. The doctor suggested experimental chemotherapy, but that didn't help either. As a result, the daughter is getting worse and worse every day. The child began to walk badly, the right leg and handle practically do not work. The child melted before my eyes. It's all very scary, but it's worse to leave Vlad without an opportunity for treatment. I again turned to Marina Bookmed Marina again very quickly found us a hospital in Turkey, helped us with the flight Paris Istanbul. Arrived at the hospital 2 days later, the operation was successful!!! After the operation, the child began to talk, swallow, and after a couple of days to walk. What I want to say Bookmed in particular Marina Provided us with moral support documentary for the second time at the highest level. Marina many thanks to you and your team THANK YOU.
— Владислав
Ukraine, Sep 23, 2022
Sep 23, 2022 • Verified review.
[object Object]:  Before and After Photos. Explore patients' results [object Object]:  Before and After Photos. Explore patients' results
Melanoma surgery $7000 - $14000

At Medipol, doctors treat patients with melanoma spread to brain using radiosurgery with Gamma Knife method. Gamma Knife destroys damaged brain tissue with gamma rays not affecting healthy tissues. The main benefits of Gamma Knife are the following:

  • this is a minimally-invasive surgery without skull opening.
  • no risk of infections or other complications as hemorrhage, for example.
  • patient has no hair loss after the procedure.
  • high accuracy and less discomfort during the procedure.
  • reduces hospital stay and boosts the recovery.

If you want to get treatment at Medipol and be sure your health is safe, just click the button for consulting with a specialist.

Get a consultation at Medipol

How to identify melanoma stage?

Nowadays, medical facilities keep the following classification system to detect melanoma:

  • T — the size and thickness of the tumor.
  • N — cancer spreads to lymph nodes.
  • M — metastases are spread to distant organs.

Specialists around the world use the following indexes to say exactly what stage of cancer it is.

Category T

  • Tx: the primary tumor cannot be evaluated.
  • T0: there is no evidence of a primary tumor.
  • Tis: melanoma in situ. (the tumor is in the epidermis).
  • T1a: melanoma is less than or equal to 1.0 mm, without ulcers and with a low mitotic index (less than 1mm²).
  • T1b: melanoma is less than or equal to 1.0 mm. The tumor is ulcerated and/or its mitotic velocity is equal to or greater than 1 mm2.
  • T2a: melanoma is between 1.01 and 2.0 mm without ulceration.
  • T2b: tumor size is from 1.01 to 2.0 mm with ulceration.
  • T3a: melanoma is between 2.01 and 4.0 mm without ulceration.
  • T3b: melanoma is from 2.01 to 4.0 mm with ulceration.
  • T4a: melanoma is thicker than 4.0 mm without ulceration.
  • T4b: melanoma is thicker than 4.0 mm with ulceration.

Category N

  • Nx: regional lymph nodes cannot be evaluated.
  • N0: the tumor did not spread to the local lymph nodes.
  • N1: 1 proximal lymph node is affected.
  • N2: melanoma affected 2 or 3 of the lymph nodes.
  • N3: the tumor has spread to 4 or more lymph nodes.

Category M

  • M0: There are no distant metastases.
  • M1a: metastasis in the skin, subcutaneous tissue or lymph nodes in distant parts of the body, with a standard level of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in the blood.
  • M1b: lung metastases with normal LDH levels.
  • M1c: metastases to any other organs with high LDH levels.

Get a consultation about diagnostics

Melanoma prognosis and survival rates

Life expectancy in melanoma patients depends on early detection and immediate treatment of the disease. Melanoma mortality rate is high, and according to various estimates, it is 90-95%. This prognosis is done according to the survival data of 5-year and 10-year periods.

The 5-year survival rate for melanoma is the percentage of patients with a diagnosed disease who survived the 5-year index.

Stages of Melanoma

Stage I— for patients who were diagnosed with stage I melanoma and a tumor size of less than 0.76 mm, the 5-year survival rate is 97%!

If the tumor size exceeds 1.5 mm, then 81% of patients have a chance to get recovered. If the formation is covered with ulcers — the prognosis is 53%.

Stage II— with a tumor size of less than 4 mm, the survival rate is 47% of patients.

Stage III — the prognosis mostly depends on the number of affected lymph nodes. If 1 lymph node is affected, the survival rate reaches 78%; if there are two or more affected nodes — it’s 40%.

Stage IV— according to the American Cancer Society, a 5-year survival rate at stage IV of the disease is 15-20%. The prognosis can be more favorable if the tumor has spread to distant lymph nodes and skin, but NOT to the internal organs.

To get an immediate and effective melanoma treatment, just click on the button below.

Stage

5-year survival rate

0 and 1A

97%

1B

95%

2A

81%

2B

70%

2C

53%

3A

78%

3B

59%

3C

40%

4

15-20%

Only a doctor who is familiar with all the features of your case can make a prognosis!

Inquire about a consultation

Stage TNM
0 Tis, N0, M0
IA T1a, N0, M0
IB T1b or T2a, N0, M0
IIA T2b or T3a, N0, M0
IIB T3b or T4a, N0, M0
IIC T4b, N0, M0
IIIA T1a to T4a, N1a or N2a, M0
IIIB T1b to T4b, N1a or N2a, M0
or
T1a to T4a, N1b or N2b, M0
or
T1a to T4a, N2c, M0
IIIC T1b to T4b, N1b or N2b, M0
or
T1b to T4b, N2c, M0
or
Any T, N3, M0
IV Any T, any N, M1(a, b, or c)


What is melanoma metastasis?

Metastasis is a pathogenic agent which spreads to other body organs and affects them.

How to understand that melanoma is metastasized? Specialists determine due to melanoma thickness — the smaller new growth is, the lower is the possibility of melanoma metastasis.

Thickness of melanoma

The probability of metastasis

up to 0.76 mm

low

from 0.76 mm to 4.0 mm

avarage

more then 4.0 mm

high

The first to be affected are the sentinel lymph nodes (standing guard) because they are the first barrier in the way of lymph drainage. If you do not consult a doctor on time, the metastases will quickly affect other tissues.

At stage 4, melanoma causes metastases in:

  • skin and subcutaneous tissues (up to 59% of cases);
  • lungs (up to 36%);
  • liver (up to 29%);
  • the brain (up to 20%);
  • bones (up to 17%);
  • gastrointestinal tract.

Symptoms of metastatic melanoma at the last stage are:

  • general malaise;
  • anemia;
  • swollen lymph nodes;
  • exacerbation of chronic diseases;
  • a constant cough;
  • weakness;
  • loss of appetite and an abrupt decrease in weight;
  • pain and aches in the bones;
  • gray shade of skin;
  • a headache;
  • convulsions;
  • nausea and vomiting;
  • enlargement of the liver.

Metastasis of melanoma

Symptoms

Diagnostics

Treatment of metastases

skin and subcutaneous tissue

  • tumor on the chest, back, extremities (in women more often on the lower extremities, in men — on the back and chest);
  • satellites (a scattering of small tumors next to the primary tumor).
  • dermatoscopy;
  • boipsy.
  • surgical removal of metastases (excision);
  • Imiquimod cream;
  • cryotherapy (destruction of malignant cells with cold);
  • laser therapy;
  • chemotherapy.

lungs

  • a cough that does not go away;
  • dyspnea;
  • incoherent intermittent breathing;
  • frequent infectious diseases;
  • fluid accumulation between chest and lung.
  • X-ray of the chest area;
  • CT.
  • surgical removal of metastases (excision);
  • radiotherapy;
  • chemotherapy;
  • immunotherapy;
  • symptomatic treatment.

liver

  • fatigue;
  • general malaise;
  • nausea;
  • weight loss;
  • enlargement of the liver;
  • discomfort on the right side of the abdomen
  • blod tests;
  • Abdominal ultrasound exam;
  • CT.
  • surgical removal of metastases (excision);
  • radiotherapy;
  • chemotherapy;
  • immunotherapy;
  • symptomatic treatment.

brain

  • headache;
  • feeling unwell;
  • fatigue;
  • convulsions;
  • mood changes.

The exact symptoms depend on what part of the brain was affected by metastases.

  • neurological examination;
  • CT;
  • MRI.
  • surgical removal of metastases (excision);
  • radiotherapy;
  • chemotherapy;
  • immunotherapy;
  • steroids;
  • symptomatic treatment.

bones

  • pain and aches in bones;
  • fractures;
  • increase in the level of calcium in the blood, which causes: dehydration, confusion, vomiting, abdominal pain, constipation;
  • anemia;
  • infectious diseases.
  • X-ray;
  • PET;
  • CT;
  • MRI.
  • surgical removal of metastases;
  • radiotherapy;
  • chemotherapy;
  • immunotherapy;
  • radiofrequency ablation;
  • vertebroplasty (vertebral fracture fixation);
  • symptomatic treatment.

gastrointestinal tract

  • abdominal pain;
  • swelling;
  • nausea and vomiting;
  • general malaise;
  • loss of appetite;
  • weight loss;
  • perforation of the intestine.
  • CT;
  • MRI.
  • surgical removal of metastases;
  • chemotherapy;
  • immunotherapy;
  • radiotherapy;
  • symptomatic treatment.
Remember! Metastatic melanoma does not always cause such symptoms. Consult your doctor and find out what diagnosis you exactly got.

How Bookimed arranges your medical trip

➤Bookimed doctors-coordinators will help you to choose a medical center and doctor, specialized in melanoma treatment. Our team takes into account your case, needs, and requirements. You will get an individual program with prices to plan your budget for a trip.

➤Bookimed is a platform of searching for the best medical solutions in over 26 countries. Every month our doctors-coordinators help 6,000 patients. Our mission is to provide advanced medical solutions and support a patient at every step: starting from the clinic selection and trip arrangement till a home return. We stay in touch 24/7 to make your trip easy and comfortable.

➤Bookimed services are free for patients. A trip arrangement is FREE of charge. Submit a request to get a consultation with Bookimed doctor-coordinator.

Book your trip for treatment

Melanoma is one of the most dangerous cancers. At an early stage, it looks like a mole and does not cause symptoms. If melanoma is detected at stages 0, 1, 2, the survival rates are significantly higher (85-97%). However, despite the fact that late-stage melanoma is hard to treat, many patients have all the chances to get recovered.