About Metastatic Skin Cancer
Key Highlights
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Personalized treatment plans tailored to the specific type of skin cancer and genetic profile.Utilizes advanced systemic therapies like immunotherapy that harness the body's own immune system.Aims to control cancer spread, manage symptoms, and improve quality of life.Multidisciplinary approach involving surgical, radiation, and medical oncologists for comprehensive care.Focuses on both treating existing metastases and preventing the development of new ones.
Who is this surgery for?
- Diagnosis of melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, or Merkel cell carcinoma that has spread to distant organs (Stage IV).
- Cancer recurrence in regional lymph nodes or distant sites after initial treatment.
- Presence of symptoms caused by metastatic tumors, such as pain, obstruction, or neurological issues.
- Confirmed spread detected via imaging scans (CT, PET, MRI) or biopsy of a suspicious distant site.
- A need for systemic treatment to control widespread disease not amenable to surgery or radiation alone.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive staging workup including CT, MRI, or PET scans to map all metastatic sites.
- Biopsy of a metastatic lesion to confirm diagnosis and for molecular/genetic testing (e.g., BRAF, PD-L1).
- Review of complete medical history, prior treatments, and current medications.
- Baseline blood tests to assess organ function (liver, kidneys) and overall health status.
- Consultations with a multidisciplinary team to decide on the optimal treatment strategy.
- Discussion of treatment goals, potential side effects, and informed consent process.
Risks & possible complications
- Side effects from systemic therapies: fatigue, nausea, skin rash, diarrhea, or liver inflammation.
- Immune-related adverse events from immunotherapy (e.g., colitis, pneumonitis, endocrine disorders).
- Potential for treatment resistance, leading to disease progression.
- Complications from procedures like biopsies or surgeries for metastases (infection, bleeding).
- Impact on quality of life due to treatment side effects or cancer-related symptoms.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Recovery varies greatly depending on the treatments used; systemic therapies are often administered in cycles.
- Close monitoring for treatment response and side effects through regular scans and blood tests.
- Management of side effects with supportive medications (anti-nausea, pain relief, topical creams).
- Integration of palliative care services early for optimal symptom management and support.
- Nutritional support and physical activity as tolerated to maintain strength.
- Psychological and emotional support through counseling or support groups to cope with a chronic condition.
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Typical hospital stay: Varies (Often outpatient for systemic therapy)
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Expected recovery time: Ongoing (Treatment and monitoring are continuous)
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering metastatic skin cancer in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for metastatic skin cancer in India include Miot Hospital Chennai, Cytecare Hospital, Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, 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 metastatic skin cancer. MediFyr helps you compare oncologists 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 metastatic skin cancer compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 150 Thousand – 800 Thousand | Varies (Often outpatient for systemic therapy) | ~ Ongoing (Treatment and monitoring are continuous) | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 525 Thousand – 2.8 Million | Varies (Often outpatient for systemic therapy) | ~ Ongoing (Treatment and monitoring are continuous) | Know More |
Top hospitals for Metastatic Skin Cancer in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated oncologist teams and experience managing patients undergoing metastatic skin cancer.
Sneha Garcia, a 42-year-old landscape architect...
Sneha Garcia, a 42-year-old landscape architect and mother of two, had a large, changing mole on her upper back for years. It recently became asymmetrical, with irregular borders and dark patches. A dermatologist's biopsy revealed a deep, invasive melanoma, and a PET scan showed it had spread to a lymph node in her armpit (Stage III). Her surgical oncologist, Dr. Lawson, recommended a wide local excision of the primary site plus a sentinel lymph node biopsy, followed by a complete lymph node dissection given the positive result. The surgeries were successful but physically taxing, leaving her with limited arm mobility during recovery. The emotional journey was harrowing; Sneha grappled with fear for her future and guilt over missing time with her young children. After the procedure, though facing adjuvant immunotherapy, she felt a fierce determination, channeling her energy into healing and appreciating each day with renewed gratitude.
Oncologists for Metastatic Skin Cancer
Explore experienced oncologists who regularly perform metastatic skin cancer and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 10 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 4 Years Experience
- Medical Oncologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 25 Years Experience
- Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 19 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 11 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 9 Years Experience
- Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 16 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 11 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 11 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 10 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 15 Years Experience
- Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 21 Years Experience
- Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 33 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 27 Years Experience
- Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 30 Years Experience
- Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 10 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Mysore, Mysore
- 12 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Mysore, Mysore
- 23 Years Experience
- Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, vijayawada
- 19 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, vijayawada
- 17 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, vijayawada