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This slide show describes the causes of melanoma and the signs to watch for (called the ABCDEs of melanoma). It also provides an overview of how melanoma is staged, what you should do if you notice any signs, and the steps you can take to protect your skin and prevent melanoma.

This slide show describes the tests and procedures doctors use to diagnose melanoma. It explains skin examination, skin biopsy methods (punch biopsy, excisional biopsy) lymph node biopsy methods (fine needle aspiration biopsy, sentinel lymph node biopsy, excisional lymph node biopsy), and imaging tests (MRI, CT scan, PET scan, ultrasound). This animation also provides an overview of how melanoma is staged (how far the cancer has spread). Knowing the stage helps doctors decide how to best treat your melanoma and predict your prognosis, or outlook.

This slide show explains the current treatment options for melanoma. You can find out about surgery (wide local excision, sentinel lymph node biopsy), immunotherapy, targeted therapy, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, vaccines for melanoma, and clinical trials. This slide show also describes possible treatment side effects. It's important to discuss all treatment options with your doctor or cancer care team, so you can make the best decisions that are right for you.

This slide show provides an overview of genetic changes or cellular mutations in moles of the skin which can help determine the best melanoma treatments for each patient. A genetic mutation in these cells due to excess sunlight, or family inherited genes results in increased risk for the development of melanoma. Melanoma mutations promote cancer by helping cells stay alive, grow, and divide; they occur in high levels in tumor cells. A pigmented lesion assay (PLA) adhesion patch test can help diagnose melanoma at a very early stage. It is important to talk with your doctor about whether genetic testing for melanoma risk is right for you.strong> is right for you.

This slide show provides an overview of Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocyte (TIL) Cell Therapy for melanoma. TIL Cell Therapy is a new type of immunotherapy that utilizes TILs to attack cancer cells. TIL Cell Therapy is investigational and only available in clinical trials. You will learn how TIL Cell Therapy is prepared in the lab, how the infusion works, its effectiveness, possible side effects, and its current use in melanoma clinical trials. You may want to ask your doctor if a clinical trial with TIL Cell Therapy could be an option for you.