Questions to ask: Melanoma

Diagnosis

• What type of melanoma do I have?
• How thick was my melanoma, and was there ulceration?
• What stage is my melanoma?
• Do I need a sentinel lymph node biopsy? What will it tell us?
• Do I need scans, or a brain MRI?
• Has my melanoma been tested for BRAF and other gene changes?
• Is the goal of treatment to cure the melanoma or to control it?
• Should I see a genetic counselor because of my family history?
• Should my family members get their skin checked?
• Is my care team experienced in treating melanoma? Should I get a second opinion?

Before

• What treatment do you suggest, and why?
• How much skin will be removed, and what will the scar look like?
• If my sentinel node has melanoma, do I need more surgery, or can I have ultrasounds instead?
• Would immunotherapy before surgery be an option for me?
• Should I have treatment after surgery, or is watching closely a reasonable choice?
• If my melanoma has a BRAF change, should I start with immunotherapy or targeted pills?
• What side effects are most likely, and which are serious?
• How will treatment be given, and how often?
• Are there clinical trials I could join?
• How will treatment affect my work, driving, and daily life?
• Who should I call with problems at night or on weekends?
• What costs should I expect, and who can help with insurance?

During

• How will we know if the treatment is working?
• Which side effects should I call about right away?
• Should I carry a card or note that says I am on immunotherapy?
• What should I do if I get diarrhea or a fever?
• Will you check my thyroid and other hormone levels?
• When is my next scan?
• What happens if I need to stop treatment because of side effects?
• What are my options if the melanoma grows on this treatment?
• Would TIL therapy or another newer treatment be an option later?
• Can I see a palliative care team to help with symptoms?
• How can my caregiver help, and what should they watch for?

After

• How often will I need skin checks, visits, and scans?
• What signs could mean the melanoma has come back?
• How should I check my skin and lymph nodes at home?
• What long-term side effects should I watch for, like hormone problems or lymphedema?
• What is the best way to protect my skin from the sun now?
• Who will be my main doctor after treatment ends?
• Should my children or siblings start regular skin checks?
• Where can my family and I find support groups?

Last updated: 2026-10-27. Medically reviewed by Veli Bakalov, MD, medical oncologist (October 2026). General education from Step by Step, the patient portal of HemeOncBuddy.