MelanomaQuestions to ask your doctor
A skin cancer that starts in pigment-making cells. Depth, spread to lymph nodes or elsewhere, and molecular test results guide surgery, immunotherapy, or targeted drugs.
Preview — not yet published
This page is in editorial and medical review. Content below is a scaffold — treat it as a preview, not guidance.
Practical prompts to bring to your next appointment — not a script, a starting point.
What stage is my melanoma, and how was that determined?
Will I need a sentinel lymph node biopsy or other staging procedures?
Has my tumor been tested for BRAF or other mutations that open targeted therapy?
What is the plan for surgery, and will I need adjuvant therapy afterward?
How will we watch for recurrence after treatment?
Are there clinical trials for my stage and mutation status?
A note on using this list
Bring the 3–5 questions that matter most to you, not all of them. It’s also fine to take notes during the appointment, or bring someone with you who can.
Review, sources, and disclaimer
How this page was reviewed
Pending medical review. This page will list the reviewing clinician and review date before publication.
Sources will be listed here before publication. We prefer guideline-level and patient-trusted references.
This page is educational, not medical advice. Talk with your care team about decisions that apply to you. If something feels urgent, contact your doctor — or, for emergencies, call your local emergency number.