Melanoma
Melanoma is a serious and potentially life-threatening form of skin cancer that begins in the pigment-producing cells of the skin called melanocytes. Unlike many other skin cancers, melanoma can spread quickly to lymph nodes and other organs if not detected early.
Led by internationally recognized oncologist Dr. Sant P. Chawla, we specialize in providing hope and new treatment paths for patients with challenging melanoma cases.
Call us at (310) 552-9999 or complete our online form to schedule a consultation today.
What is Melanoma?
Melanoma can appear anywhere on the skin, usually in areas that have had frequent sun exposure. It can also appear in unexpected places not exposed to the sun, such as under the nails or on the soles of the feet.
The most common signs of melanoma are changes to an existing mole or the appearance of a new, unusual growth. Patients often describe their first concern as “something that just doesn’t look right.”
At the Cancer Center of Southern California, we specialize in giving patients hope and a new path forward, even in the most challenging cases of melanoma. Our team of expert oncologists is dedicated to helping patients who have been told they have no remaining options to continue their fight.
We offer access to more clinical trials than most major institutions in California, and also accept patients with HMO or Kaiser insurance.
Your Risk of Melanoma
Your risk of melanoma increases with the following factors.
- Long-term UV exposure from sunlight
- History of severe sunburns, especially in childhood
- Fair skin, light hair, or light eyes
- Multiple or atypical moles
- Family history of melanoma
- Weakened immune system
- Older age
What to Look For: The Signs of Melanoma
To spot the potential warning signs of melanoma, remember the ABCDE rule.
One half of the mole looks different from the other half.
The edges are irregular, blurred, or poorly defined.
Uneven shades of black, brown, tan, red, white, or blue.
The spot is larger than 6 millimeters (about the size of a pencil eraser).
The mole is changing in size, shape, or color over time.
Diagnosis of Melanoma
We work with expert dermatologists and pathologists to ensure precise diagnosis and staging, so that your treatment can begin without delay.
- Skin Examination: Careful inspection of the suspicious spot and surrounding skin, often using a dermatoscope to see details beneath the surface.
- Biopsy: A skin biopsy to confirm melanoma and determine its stage. Most biopsies are quick outpatient procedures with minimal downtime.
- Advanced Imaging & Lab Work: PET or CT scans and blood tests to check for possible metastasis and measure specific tumor markers.
We provide same-week diagnostic appointments and move quickly to confirm results. Our aim is to make sure that you do not lose valuable time in starting treatment or, when needed, qualifying for clinical trials.
Melanoma Care for Complex Cases
Many patients come to us after being told there are no remaining options, and hope feels out of reach. At the Cancer Center of Southern California, we believe there is almost always another path forward.
Led by Dr. Sant Chawla, our center has given thousands of patients renewed hope through access to advanced treatments and clinical trials. Dr. Chawla has directed more than 60 clinical trials, contributing to FDA and EMA approvals for therapies such as carboplatin and trabectedin (Yondelis).
We make accessing groundbreaking clinical trials easy.
- Same-week appointments to evaluate trial eligibility
- Fast-tracked second opinion for complex and difficult-to-treat cancers
- Trial access for HMO and Kaiser patients
- Expanded access programs for patients not eligible for trials
- Assistance with programs that support travel, lodging, and medication costs
Please call us at 310-552-9999 to explore a chance at better outcomes and renewed hope.
Your Melanoma Treatment Journey
Here's what your treatment journey with us is likely to look like.
- Immediate Access: Speak directly with our care team and schedule your first visit, often within the same week.
- Expert Case Review: Our oncologists review your records before you arrive, so your first visit is focused on next steps.
- Personalized Consultation: Meet with our oncologist who will explain your diagnosis, answer your questions, and discuss treatment options.
- Multimodal Treatment Plan: Your plan is tailored to your cancer type, stage, and overall health.
- First-line treatments may include surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and radiation.
- Additional options involve new drugs or therapies available through clinical trial participation.
Your Well-Being is Our Priority
Dr. Chawla helped bring important treatments like the anti-nausea drug Zofran to patients. This medication makes chemotherapy easier to tolerate.
Building on this expertise, our philosophy of a whole-body approach extends to every patient. We focus on preserving your quality of life throughout treatment and provide comprehensive supportive care to:
- Reduce side effects from cancer treatments
- Help your body tolerate treatment better and recover faster
- Maintain strength with nutrition and wellness support
- Emotional and psychological support for patients and families
Expert Melanoma Treatment in Southern California
At the Cancer Center of Southern California, our internationally recognized oncologists bring decades of experience in skin cancer research and patient care. Here’s how we support you:
- Speak directly with expert oncologists
- Care focused on your quality of life
- Receive guidance for financial assistance
To schedule an appointment, call us at 310-552-9999 or request an appointment online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not always. While UV exposure is a major risk factor, melanoma can also occur in areas not typically exposed to the sun, such as the soles of the feet or under the nails. Genetics and immune system function also play a role.
Yes. When diagnosed at an early stage, melanoma is highly treatable and often curable with surgery alone. The prognosis becomes more complex if the disease has spread, which is why early detection is so important.
Melanoma is known as one of the more aggressive skin cancers because it can spread (metastasize) quickly to other parts of the body. However, the growth rate varies by type and patient. Some melanomas may remain slow-growing for years, while others progress more rapidly.
Yes. Protective strategies include avoiding tanning beds, limiting sun exposure (especially midday), using a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily, wearing protective clothing, and having regular skin checks. These habits can begin as early as in childhood.
Mostly, yes. However, in rare cases, it can develop in the eyes (ocular melanoma) or mucous membranes. These are less common but require equally careful evaluation and management.
