Animations

This animation 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 animation 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 animation 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 animation 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 animation 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.

This animation provides an overview of Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocyte (TIL) Cell Therapy for melanoma. TIL Cell Therapy is a new type of immunotherapy that utilizes TIL to attack cancer cells. TIL Cell Therapy is now an FDA-approved treatment for non-uveal melanoma. In addition, researchers are conducting many clinical trials of potential new TIL treatments. TIL Cell Therapy is approved for people whose tumors have spread or cannot be surgically removed and who may have already had certain other melanoma treatments. Watch to learn how TIL Cell Therapy is prepared, how the infusion works, its effectiveness, possible side effects, and its current use in melanoma. You may want to ask your doctor if TIL Cell Therapy could be an option for you.

This animation explains what clinical trials are, how they are conducted, and why they are important for patients with melanoma. Melanoma clinical trials are research studies in which people volunteer to help test new ways to screen for or diagnose melanoma, new procedures, or new treatments. Most clinical trials in melanoma test new treatments. In this animation, we focus on trials of new melanoma treatments. This animation also provides an overview of the potential benefits and risks of participation, phases of clinical trials, eligibility criteria, informed consent, and more. Clinical trials can be a hopeful option for many patients, at any stage of melanoma – not just advanced disease. Be sure to discuss all your treatment options, including clinical trials, with your healthcare team.

This animation provides an overview of metastatic uveal melanoma, and how it is diagnosed and treated. Watch to learn about how uveal melanoma (also referred to as ocular melanoma) can spread beyond the eye, the importance of follow-up scans, and the factors that may affect your risk for developing metastatic uveal melanoma. You'll learn how treatment decisions are made, including the role and importance of HLA testing, and get a brief overview of available options, including systemic therapies (whole-body treatment), liver-directed treatments, and clinical trials. The animation also highlights supportive resources for patients, helping you understand your choices and stay informed as you navigate your care.