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.

Please note: This animation is currently being updated to reflect the February 2024 FDA approval of this therapy. Please continue to explore the website, and check back for this updated animation soon.

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 TILs to attack cancer cells. On February 16, 2024, the FDA approved AMTAGVI, the first cellular therapy indicated for the treatment of adult patients with cutaneous melanoma that is unable to be removed with surgery (unresectable) or has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic). AMTAGVI is a tumor-derived autologous T cell immunotherapy composed of a patient's own T cells, a type of cell that helps the immune system fight cancer. Watch to 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 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.