Expert Videos

Module 1: Understanding Melanoma

What is melanoma and what causes it?
Jeffrey Weber, MD, PhD, a specialist in melanoma management and cancer immunotherapy from NYU Langone, explains exactly how melanoma cancer gets started. He describes how the body's pigment cells, or melanocytes, may grow out of control, what areas of the body have these cells, how melanoma spreads and when it becomes serious.
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What are the common and less common causes of melanoma?
Melanoma expert Dr. Jeffrey Weber discusses the most common locations for melanoma on the body, sun exposure as the main cause of melanoma, and how your age when you experience sun damage can make a difference in whether you develop melanoma later in life. He also talks about the less common genetic causes of melanoma, where the disease runs in families.
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What are the different types of melanoma?
Dr. Jeffrey Weber, an expert on melanoma, explains the general categories of melanoma: cutaneous, mucosal, and ocular. Cutaneous melanoma is the most common of these categories. Any area of the body with pigment cells can develop melanoma. Different locations include the palms of the hands and soles of the feet (acral melanoma), nail beds (lentiginous melanoma), mucous membranes, such as the vagina or mouth (mucosal melanoma), and eye (uveal or ocular melanoma).
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What are the signs and symptoms of melanoma?

Do you know the melanoma alphabet? Expert Jeffrey Weber, MD, PhD, from NYU Langone Medical Center describes how to check moles on your skin for signs of melanoma using the letters A, B, C, D, and E:

  • A – An asymmetrical, or irregular, shape
  • B – An irregular or uneven border
  • C – More than one color in the same lesion
  • D – A diameter bigger than a pencil eraser (about 6 millimeters)
  • E – evolution, or change, in the size or color of a mole.

If you notice any of these signs, make an appointment right away to have a dermatologist or primary care physician examine your skin.
Dr. Weber also discusses the most common locations for skin melanoma in men and women, and how other types of melanoma can be found, including sometimes by a dentist or eye doctor. Dr. Weber also discusses the challenge of diagnosing mucous membrane melanoma.

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Who is at risk for melanoma?
Jeffrey Weber, MD, PhD, describes which skin, hair, eye colors, and national backgrounds make melanoma more or less likely. He talks about the different types of melanoma people tend to develop in different regions of the world, where people are most and least likely to develop melanoma, and how your moles and freckles are important clues to your melanoma risk.
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How does melanoma develop in healthy skin?
Melanoma expert Dr. Jeffrey Weber of New York University Langone Medical Center describes the two ways melanoma develops in healthy skin. He discusses how changes in your genetic material, or DNA, can cause a normal freckle or mole to transform into cancer. He also explains that melanoma can happen de novo, or on its own, where no freckle or mole was present.
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Can children get melanoma?
Children can develop melanoma, explains Jeffrey Weber, MD, PhD. This is rare, but has become more common in the last 30 years. Melanoma can be difficult to diagnose in children, as the spot may look like a non-cancerous mole called a "blue nevus". Doctors who specialize in melanoma and other skin cancers may be more able to recognize melanoma in children because they see more cancers overall.
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What are the risk factors for melanoma?
Dr. Jeffrey Weber, a melanoma expert, discusses some of the well-known risk factors for developing melanoma. Although there are several risk factors, it's important to understand that having one or more risk factors does not necessarily mean you will develop cancer and that no one is entirely risk-free. He describes how lifetime sun exposure, the tendency to get a sunburn instead of a tan, and even travel habits can affect melanoma risk. Dr. Weber also discusses genetic mutations associated with melanoma risk, including the P16 mutation in families. Whether you feel you are at risk for melanoma or not, it's important to be familiar with your skin and to do monthly self-exams to look for any changes or abnormalities. It's also important to have regular skin cancer screenings.
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Can melanoma be prevented?
Dr. Jeffrey Weber, an expert on melanoma, talks about safe sun practices when you are outdoors, including seeking shade, using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding tanning. He discusses the best times for outdoor activities and gives a list of lifestyle factors that can help you prevent skin melanoma.
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Module 2: Diagnosing Melanoma

How is melanoma diagnosed?
Cancer expert Dr. Jeffrey Weber of NYU Langone Medical Center explains how a dermatologist can take a sample of tissue, called a biopsy, to diagnose melanoma in its early stages. He discusses how an experienced dermatologist may recognize skin changes that lead to a biopsy and how a specialist called a pathologist examines the biopsy tissue in a lab to look for cancer.
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What kind of biopsies are used for melanoma?
Jeffrey Weber, MD, PhD, explains the different kinds of biopsies used to diagnose melanoma, including a punch biopsy and an excisional biopsy. He also explains the factors that help the doctor determine what type of biopsy is needed for diagnosis.
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How are imaging tests used for melanoma?
Dr. Jeffrey Weber, a melanoma expert from NYU Langone Medical Center, discusses the use of imaging tests, including CT scans (CAT scans) and MRIs, in melanoma. He talks about how often imaging tests may be done and what types of symptoms might lead to the need for imaging.
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What are the stages of melanoma?
Melanoma expert Jeffrey Weber, MD, PhD, talks about stages 1 through 4 of melanomas that appear on the skin, why doctors "stage" them, and how staging helps doctors and patients decide on treatment. He also discusses how skin, eye (ocular) and mucous membrane melanomas are staged differently.
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Should I get genetic testing for melanoma?
Dr. Jeffrey Weber, MD, PhD, a melanoma expert from NYU Langone Medical Center, explains which stages of melanoma most benefit from a genetic test, when genetic testing is not helpful and how it is done. He discusses what the BRAF gene means for melanoma and its treatment, including the use of BRAF-blocking drugs.
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Module 3: Treating Melanoma

What are the main treatment options for melanoma?
Melanoma expert Dr. Jeffrey Weber from NYU Langone Perlmutter Cancer Center discusses the importance of surgery for early-stage melanoma. Immunotherapy, radiation, and targeted therapy are additional options for stages 2, 3 and 4. Dr. Weber talks about which options work best at different stages and for different patients, including new drugs that can be injected or rubbed on the skin.
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How is melanoma treated with surgery?
Jeffrey Weber, MD, PhD, explains wide local excision, the surgery technique used to treat early-stage melanoma. He describes how surgeons find and remove sentinel lymph nodes where the cancer has spread, and the options for removing a small tumor that remains after drug therapy.
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How is melanoma treated with immunotherapy?
A melanoma expert from NYU Langone, Jeffrey Weber, MD, PhD, describes how immunotherapy works with your body's own immune system to kill tumor cells, and how this type of treatment has helped patients with later stages of melanoma. He discusses how checkpoint inhibitors and other immune system drugs work and how these drugs may work better when combined with each other. In melanoma, checkpoint inhibitors block proteins called PD-1 and CTLA-4. Several other kinds of immunotherapy drugs may also be used to treat melanoma.
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How is melanoma treated with targeted therapy?
Dr. Jeffrey Weber, an oncologist from New York University Langone Medical Center, describes a form of precision medicine called targeted therapy. Taken in pill form, it may be used after surgery for later stage melanoma. It can be effective for treating melanomas that have certain gene changes and with certain aggressive tumors. About six of every 10 patients with advanced melanoma have a change in a gene called BRAF. Some others, especially if the melanoma starts in the mucous membranes, have a change in a gene called C-KIT.
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How is melanoma treated with radiation therapy?
Jeffrey Weber, MD, PhD, describes stereotactic radiosurgery, or SRS, to treat melanoma that has spread to the brain.
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How can I cope with melanoma treatment side effects?
Dr. Jeffrey Weber, a melanoma expert at NYU Langone, talks about the importance of telling your healthcare team about any side effects from immunotherapy or targeted therapy. Communication is essential because it may help choose a treatment and prevent life-threatening side effects from some treatments.
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Why are melanoma clinical trials so important?
Jeffrey Weber, MD, PhD, explains that almost anyone with melanoma can take part in a clinical trial. Your dermatologist or surgeon may be able to help you find an appropriate trial. Clinical trials are an important step in discovering new treatments for melanoma as well as new ways to detect, diagnose, and reduce the risk of disease.
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How is melanoma treated with neoadjuvant therapy?
This treatment is given before surgery, explains Dr. Jeffrey Weber, melanoma expert from NYU Langone Medical Center. He discusses what stage of melanoma may benefit most from neoadjuvant immunotherapy and what the results may be.
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Is chemotherapy used for the treatment of melanoma?
Jeffrey Weber, MD, PhD, discusses the limited role of chemotherapy in melanoma, with some possible new treatments on the horizon.
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Module 4: Genetic Mutations and Melanoma

What happens during a physical exam for melanoma?
Laura Ferris, MD, PhD, dermatologist and melanoma specialist at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, describes what happens during a physical examination for possible melanoma. This includes questions the doctor may ask and areas they examine. Dr. Ferris also explains what "ABCDE" and "the ugly duckling" mean, how a dermatoscope is used, and why examining lymph nodes is important. Learn what to look for at home and the questions to ask your doctor about melanoma.
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What is a skin biopsy and how is it done?
Melanoma expert Laura Ferris, MD, PhD, professor of dermatology at the University of Pittsburgh, describes how a skin biopsy for melanoma is different from biopsy for other skin cancers and what it can tell your doctor about your risk and treatment options. She also discusses newer tests, such as PLA, that reveal genetic mutations, types of biopsy and alternatives to biopsy in some cases.
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What is genetic screening for melanoma?
Melanoma expert Laura Ferris, MD, PhD, of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, explains screening to find genetic changes, or mutations, that can cause melanoma in the skin. This may include blood tests to look for oncogenes – genes that cause cancer – and non-functioning tumor suppressor genes, problems with the genes that help prevent cancer. Dr. Ferris explains that genetic screening can also include asking about a family history of skin cancer and considering how your genes for skin, hair, and eye color and past medical history make melanoma more or less likely.
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Understanding results of genetic testing for melanoma
Melanoma expert Dr. Laura Ferris of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center explains what "positive" and "negative" mean in genetic testing. Learn about the main mutations linked to melanoma, how CDKN2A and BAP1 affect your risk of other cancers, and when and how often to see a dermatologist if you do have a mutation. Dr. Ferris also discusses the pros and cons of genetic testing and why you may still be at risk even if no mutations are found.
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Which gene mutations are implicated in melanoma?
Laura Ferris, MD, PhD, a dermatologist and melanoma expert at the University of Pittsburg Medical Center, discusses BRAF, c-KIT, CDKN2A, NRAS, map-kinase, and other mutations involved in melanoma. She explains who may benefit from testing and how learning about gene mutations can help even some time after the original melanoma is removed.
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Module 5: TIL Cell Therapy for Melanoma

Who is eligible for TIL therapy? What are the criteria?
Rekha Chaudhary, MD, a hematologist and oncologist who specializes in the treatment of melanoma at the University of Cincinnati, explains some of the important criteria that make a melanoma patient eligible for tumor infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy. Patients need a tumor large enough and accessible enough to biopsy for TIL therapy. They also need to be healthy enough to undergo the chemotherapy, or lymphodepletion, as well as the IL-2 infusions to receive the TIL therapy.
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Why is TIL therapy effective to treat melanoma?
Dr. Rekha Chaudhary, a medical hematologist-oncologist and assistant professor of medicine at the University of Cincinnati, explains how and why tumor infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy is effective at attacking cancer in the body.
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What happens to my tumor sample after the biopsy?
Melanoma expert Dr. Rekha Chaudhary discusses what happens to the melanoma tumor sample after biopsy and before tumor infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy. She explains that the tumor sample is sent to a lab where the TIL cells are separated from the tumor and amplified.
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Why do I need chemotherapy to prepare for the TIL therapy?
Rekha Chaudhary, MD, a medical hematologist and oncologist at the University of Cincinnati, discusses why chemotherapy is needed to prepare for tumor infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy for melanoma. She explains that chemotherapy reduces the number of your body's own lymphocytes that are not working against the cancer. The chemotherapy gets rid of these cells, and when you get the TIL infusion, you get all the immune cells that are primed and ready to target and fight the cancer.
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What side effects can I expect after receiving chemotherapy to prepare for the TIL infusion?
Dr. Rekha Chaudhary, a medical hematologist-oncologist and assistant professor of medicine at the University of Cincinnati, describes the side effects that may occur after receiving chemotherapy to prepare for the tumor infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) infusion. The side effects may include nausea, low cell counts, and infections. 
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What side effects can I expect after the TIL cells are infused back into me?
Melanoma expert Dr. Rekha Chaudhary describes the side effects that may occur from the tumor infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) infusion. You may experience flu like symptoms including fever, low blood pressure, chills, and fatigue.
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How will I know if my melanoma has responded to TIL therapy?
Rekha Chaudhary, MD, a medical hematologist and oncologist who specializes in the treatment of melanoma at the University of Cincinnati, explains that your doctor will monitor and perform regular scans to assess if your cancer is responding for the tumor infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy.
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Why might TIL therapy not be recommended for me?
Dr. Rekha Chaudhary, a medical hematologist-oncologist and assistant professor of medicine at the University of Cincinnati, explains that tumor infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy is an intensive process and may not be recommended for every patient. Your doctor will determine if you are healthy enough to undergo this treatment. Talk to your doctor about whether TIL therapy could be an option for you.
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Module 6: Clinical Trials in Melanoma

What are melanoma clinical trials?
Medical oncologist Dr. Sapna Patel provides an overview of melanoma clinical trials.Clinical trials are research studies in which patients volunteer to help test new ways to screen for or diagnose melanoma, new procedures, or new treatments. Dr. Patel explains clinical trials specific to melanoma treatments, including treatments for when the melanoma is still in place (neoadjuvant), treatments after the melanoma has been removed (adjuvant), treatments for metastatic melanoma, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and genetic modifying agents.
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What are the benefits of being in a melanoma treatment clinical trial?
Medical oncologist Dr. Michael B. Atkins describes how melanoma clinical trials can benefit both current and future patients. Today's treatments for melanoma were developed through melanoma clinical trial participants willing to help future patients. By joining a clinical trial patients may be able to access a new treatment before it's available to the public. Clinical trials can be a hopeful option for many patients at any stage of disease, so it is important to discuss all treatment options, including clinical trials, with your healthcare team.
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What are the risks of being in a melanoma clinical trial?
Do melanoma clinical trials have risks? Melanoma expert Dr. Sapna Patel discusses possible risks of clinical trial participation, which may include unwanted side effects or not getting the results you hoped for. Dr. Patel also discusses clinical trial alternatives, what to ask if the melanoma treatment works or does not work, how you may be assigned to a trial group, as well as your right to leave the clinical trial at any time.
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What are the phases of melanoma clinical trials?
Melanoma expert Dr. Michael B. Atkins explains the series of steps (called phases) of melanoma clinical trials. Each phase is designed to answer important questions that lead to the next phase. Dr. Atkins reviews phases 1 through 4 of clinical trials, from drug safety and effectiveness to comparing a new treatment to standard of care. If the new treatment proves safe and effective it can be approved for use outside of a clinical trial.
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How are melanoma clinical trials carried out? What should I expect?
Medical oncologist Dr. Sapna Patel discusses how melanoma clinical trials are carried out and what to expect when participating in a clinical trial. She discusses eligibility criteria about who can participate, and the informed consent process that helps you learn about a trial and decide if you want to join. She also discusses processing steps, insurance coverage, and randomized study arms. Medical oncologist Dr. Michael B. Atkins discusses what happens in the later stages of clinical trials, dose reduction in melanoma clinical trials, stopping a clinical trial for melanoma, and other options if a melanoma clinical trial treatment is not working.
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How do I find a melanoma clinical trial that might be a good fit for me?
Melanoma expert Dr. Michael B. Atkins discusses how to find melanoma clinical trials and the benefits of clinical trials through academic medical centers that conduct research on melanoma and other cancers. If you are interested in joining a trial, speak to your medical team. They can help you find a trial right for you. You can also search for clinical trials by visiting the National Cancer Institute clinical trials website or find more information by visiting the Melanoma Research Foundation clinical trials finder at melanoma.org.
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If I take part in a melanoma clinical trial, how will my safety be protected?
Safety in melanoma clinical trials is a high priority. Melanoma expert Sapna Patel, MD, explains how clinical trials maintain safety and privacy for participants and how side effects are reported and managed. Dr. Patel also explains that clinical trials include many safeguards and close monitoring by clinical trial teams.
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What questions should I ask my doctor about participating in a melanoma clinical trial?
What should you ask your doctor about melanoma clinical trials? Considering a clinical trial for melanoma includes asking what research question is being studied, how the treatment has worked for melanoma so far, and whether insurance covers the costs of melanoma clinical trials. Melanoma expert Dr. Michael B. Atkins covers these questions, along with whether joining a melanoma clinical trial will affect future melanoma treatments.
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What happens after a melanoma clinical trial is completed?
Melanoma experts Dr. Sapna Patel and Dr. Michael B. Atkins discuss what happens after a melanoma clinical trial is completed. Dr. Patel also discusses considerations for when a participant can stay on clinical trial treatment and what happens if the FDA approves a clinical trial treatment for melanoma. In addition, Dr. Akins discusses successful immunotherapy clinical trials for melanoma and data safety monitoring of melanoma clinical trials.
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Will insurance cover my participation in a clinical trial for melanoma?
Will insurance cover your participation in a melanoma clinical trial? Medical oncologist Michael B. Atkins, MD, explains how a hospital or the sponsor of a melanoma clinical trial may help cover the costs. Medicare and Medicaid can also help cover the costs of being in a clinical trial for melanoma.
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Do I have to pay to be in a clinical trial for melanoma?
Melanoma expert Dr. Sapna Patel discusses the different types of costs related to taking part in a melanoma clinical trial, and who is expected to pay for which costs, including what may be paid by insurance or covered by the sponsor of the trial. In addition, melanoma expert Dr. Michael B. Atkins describes how melanoma clinical trials often provide medications at no charge for clinical trial participants. The experts also discuss the benefits of talking with a financial counselor before you join a melanoma clinical trial to learn what, if anything, you might pay for participating.
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This educational activity has been developed by the Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF), and Mechanisms in Medicine Inc.

This activity is supported by independent educational grants from Bristol-Myers Squibb, Foundation Medicine, Genentech, Iovance Biotherapeutics, Merck, Natera, and Novartis.

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Foundation Medicine
Genentech
Iovance
Merk
Natera
Novartis

This website is part of the Animated Patient™ series developed by Mechanisms in Medicine Inc., to provide highly visual formats of learning for patients to improve their understanding, make informed decisions, and partner with their healthcare professionals for optimal outcomes.