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The Multidisciplinary Melanoma Clinic

The Multidisciplinary Melanoma Clinic is an internationally recognized resource providing a comprehensive multidisciplinary approach to the diagnosis and treatment of melanoma.

The clinic's address and information on appointments is on the make an appointment web page.

Why come to the Melanoma Clinic for your diagnosis/treatment?

Many patients with melanoma require different specialty services initially and during the course of melanoma. The multidisciplinary team approach allows efficient access to all disciplines for patients with melanoma. The faculty has extensive experience in treating melanoma and providing a comprehensive management plan for patients at all stages of their illness. Our mission is simple. Each and every patient should be treated like our own family member.

Meet The Melanoma Team note: this link opens onto the UMHS website

Patient Care

Diagnosis
All new patients with a confirmed diagnosis of melanoma are scheduled for a visit in the bi-weekly multidisciplinary clinic. Epidemiologic and historical data and all histopathologic slide material are obtained by the nurse coordinator prior to the patient's arrival . All new patients are initially assessed, staged, counseled, and educated about melanoma. Patient cases requiring multispeciality care are then presented at the multidisciplinary tumor board conference, at which time, consensus treatment recommendations are developed. Patients are then seen by the most appropriate physician or physicians after the tumor board conference. The consensus treatment recommendations and plans developed by multiple representatives from all relevant specialties are then presented to the patient and their family. The purpose of this initial consultation visit is to educate the patient and family, perform the necessary examinations, and develop a treatment plan. The patient may choose to have their treatment undertaken at the University of Michigan, or return to their local referring physician.

Treatment
When a patient comes to the clinic for the first consultation appointment, they're examined by one of our melanoma physicians with particular attention given to the entire skin surface and lymph node areas. Melanoma may occur on any part of the skin on the body. The most common location in men is the back; the most common locations in women are the trunk and legs. Invasive procedures or surgery are not usually performed during the initial consultation visit. Detailed explanations and pre-operative discussions are explained in detail. Surgical procedures occur in a different clinical area of the hospital with a specialized surgical team. Each surgery is slightly different and may last in general from 30 minutes to three hours.

Education and Support
The melanoma clinic will address both the physical and emotional needs. Physicians will take time to talk with patients and stay with them through the whole process. Additional individual and family support is also available through the melanoma support groups, social workers, and psychiatrists.

Follow-up
Close long-term follow up and monitoring of patients with melanoma is necessary given that there is an increased risk for developing a second primary melanoma, as well as development of metastasis and recurrence. The melanoma clinic works closely with the entire Midwest region and with local community physicians to provide follow-up care close to home.

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University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center
1500 East Medical Center Drive
Ann Arbor, MI 48109

This site is part of the U-M Health System. The information presented is not a tool for self diagnosis or a substitute for professional care. © 2008 U-M Comprehensive Cancer Center