Melanoma and Skin Cancer Treatments

Treatment timelines vary depending on your diagnosis. Some surgical procedures are done on an outpatient basis. More complex cases may require a hospital stay.

Medical oncology and radiation treatments typically involve multiple treatment sessions over a period of days or weeks. Treatment timelines vary depending on the type and stage of your cancer. Your care team reviews your treatment plan with you, as well as any options that may impact length, frequency and duration of treatment.

Following active treatment, you will see your physician periodically to monitor any signs of recurrence. 

It’s natural to feel nervous about surgery, but your care team will talk you through the process, helping you prepare for surgery and answering all your questions well in advance. 

As part of your personalized care plan, we offer advanced surgical options tailored to your diagnosis and goals, including minimally invasive procedures, when possible, along with reconstruction if needed. After surgery, we provide detailed recovery instructions and make sure that you have all the ongoing support you need to help you heal with confidence. 

Yes. Reconstruction is often an important part of care, especially after Mohs surgery, which removes skin cancer layer by layer. Our reconstructive and plastic surgery specialists will work to repair the area, restore a natural appearance, and support healing. Your care plan will be personalized based on the location, size, and type of skin cancer removed.

Immunotherapy boosts your body’s natural defenses to fight cancer and is often given through IV infusions. Molecularly targeted therapy focuses on specific genetic mutations in cancer cells and is typically taken as a pill. Both of these treatments have some side effects, and your care team will work with you to help manage any discomfort.

At the Providence Swedish Cancer Institute, your care is led by a medical oncologist and supported by a dedicated team. You’ll have regularly scheduled visits, and if you need help between appointments, same-day support is available.

Radiation treatments are typically delivered over several sessions to target cancer cells while protecting healthy tissue. Your radiation oncologist will schedule a planning session to map specific treatment areas using imaging scans. Throughout your care, your team monitors your progress, manages side effects, and provides resources and support to ensure you feel comfortable and informed. 

Cancer often requires a combination of approaches to achieve the best outcome, so it’s likely your care plan could include more than one type of treatment. 

Surgery alone might be enough for early-stage cancer that hasn’t spread, but additional treatments like chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, or biological therapy may be needed to target cancer cells throughout the body, reduce the risk of recurrence, or improve overall effectiveness. 

Our cancer experts tailor treatment to your specific diagnosis, working to achieve the highest likelihood of success. 

Your treatment may impact your fertility, depending on the type of treatment and your individual plan. If you're concerned about fertility, our team will guide you through options, discuss the potential impacts of your specific treatment plan, and connect you with fertility preservation resources to help you make informed decisions about the future.

Patients have access to hundreds of clinical trials involving most cancer types. We are often among the first in the U.S. to provide access to Phase 1 trials — the first stage of evaluating treatments in humans. Please note, we open new trials often. Check with your clinician for the latest in upcoming trials.

Learn more and find out if a clinical trial could become part of your treatment plan.