About Melanoma
Key Highlights
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Early detection significantly improves survival rates and treatment outcomes.Performed by a specialized dermatologist with expertise in skin cancer.Accurate diagnosis through biopsy and pathological analysis.Tailored treatment plans based on the specific stage and characteristics of the melanoma.Minimally invasive surgical options are often available for early-stage melanomas.Ongoing monitoring and follow-up care to manage recurrence risk./ul
Who is this surgery for?
- A new, changing, or unusual mole on the skin (as per the ABCDE rule: Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter >6mm, Evolving).
- A personal or strong family history of melanoma.
- Presence of numerous or atypical moles (dysplastic nevus syndrome).
- A lesion that is bleeding, itching, or crusting.
- Follow-up for a previously treated melanoma to monitor for recurrence.
- Diagnostic confirmation of a suspicious skin lesion identified during a routine skin check.
How to prepare
- Undergo a comprehensive skin examination by the dermatologist.
- Discuss your full medical history, including previous skin cancers and medications (especially blood thinners).
- Provide a list of all current medications, supplements, and allergies.
- For a scheduled surgical procedure, you may be asked to fast for a few hours if sedation is planned.
- Avoid applying lotions, creams, or makeup to the area on the day of the procedure.
- Arrange for transportation home if sedation or anesthesia is involved.
Risks & possible complications
- Bleeding, bruising, or infection at the biopsy or surgical site.
- Scarring or changes in skin texture at the treatment area.
- Allergic reaction to local anesthesia or other medications.
- Nerve damage, potentially causing temporary or permanent numbness.
- Incomplete removal of cancer cells, requiring further treatment.
- Risks associated with lymph node biopsy, such as lymphedema (swelling).
- Recurrence of melanoma at the original site or elsewhere.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Keep the wound clean, dry, and covered as per the dermatologist's instructions.
- Manage pain with prescribed or over-the-counter pain relievers as advised.
- Avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and swimming for the time specified by your doctor.
- Attend all follow-up appointments for suture removal (if non-dissolvable) and wound check.
- Protect the scar from sun exposure with high-SPF sunscreen to aid healing and prevent darkening.
- Monitor the site for signs of infection (increased redness, swelling, pus, fever) and report them immediately.
- Adhere to a schedule for regular full-body skin exams as part of long-term surveillance.
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Typical hospital stay: 0-2 days
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Expected recovery time: 1-4 weeks
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering melanoma in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for melanoma in India include Manipal Hospital Jaipur, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform melanoma. MediFyr helps you compare dermatologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for melanoma compare across other countries where we have data.
Top hospitals for Melanoma in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated dermatology teams and experience managing patients undergoing melanoma.
John Joshi, a 52-year-old software engineer...
John Joshi, a 52-year-old software engineer and father of two, had always been active outdoors. During a routine physical, his primary care doctor noticed an irregular, dark brown mole on his upper back that John hadn't seen. It had recently grown larger and developed uneven borders. The dermatologist, Dr. Evans, recommended an excisional biopsy, explaining it was the best way to get a definitive diagnosis. John felt a sharp pinch from the local anesthetic, then pressure during the quick procedure. Pathology confirmed it was a Stage 0 melanoma in situ. Recovery involved keeping the stitches clean and dry for two weeks, leaving a small, faint scar. Before the procedure, John was consumed by anxiety, imagining the worst for his family. After receiving the clear margins report, he felt profound relief and now attends annual skin checks and is vigilant about sun protection, transforming fear into proactive health management.
Dermatologists for Melanoma
Explore experienced dermatologists who regularly perform melanoma and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 32 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
- 30 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 30 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 21 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 10 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 9 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 9 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 7 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 7 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 6 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 3 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 21 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata
- 7 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Manipal Hospital Kanakapura Road, Bangalore
- 25 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Manipal Hospital Salt Lake, Kolkata
- 5 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Manipal Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon
- 8 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Manipal Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon
- 40 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore
- 25 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Manipal Hospital Salt Lake, Kolkata
- 26 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Manipal Hospital Doddaballapur, Bangalore
- 43 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Manipal Hospital Salt Lake, Kolkata