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What You Need To Know About™ Melanoma
    Posted: 03/31/2003
Treatment

The doctor can describe treatment choices and discuss the results expected with each treatment option. The doctor and patient can work together to develop a treatment plan that fits the patient’s needs. Treatment for melanoma depends on the extent of the disease, the patient’s age and general health, and other factors.

People with melanoma are often treated by a team of specialists. The team may include a dermatologist, surgeon, medical oncologist, radiation oncologist, and plastic surgeon.



Glossary Terms

dermatologist (der-muh-TAH-loh-jist)
A doctor who has special training to diagnose and treat skin problems.
medical oncologist (MEH-dih-kul on-KAH-loh-jist)
A doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating cancer using chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, biological therapy, and targeted therapy. A medical oncologist often is the main health care provider for someone who has cancer. A medical oncologist also gives supportive care and may coordinate treatment given by other specialists.
plastic surgeon (PLAS-tik SER-jun)
A surgeon who specializes in reducing scarring or disfigurement that may occur as a result of accidents, birth defects, or treatment for diseases.
radiation oncologist (RAY-dee-AY-shun on-KAH-loh-jist)
A doctor who specializes in using radiation to treat cancer.
surgeon
A doctor who removes or repairs a part of the body by operating on the patient.