Melanoma is the most aggressive skin cancer — but it is precisely in this field that the greatest progress has been made over the last decade: immunotherapy and targeted drugs have radically changed the prognosis, including in metastatic disease. At Anadolu, treatment is directed by a medical board: surgical oncologist, medical oncologist and dermatologist.
The foundation of treatment in the early stages is correct surgery: wide excision combined with sentinel lymph node biopsy using the radioisotope method — a standard the hospital applies routinely.
Treatment methods at Anadolu
Wide excision of the tumour
Removal of the melanoma with safety margins adapted to the thickness of the tumour (Breslow); with plastic reconstruction of the defect if necessary.
Sentinel lymph node biopsy
Radioisotope mapping locates the first draining lymph node; its status determines the stage and further treatment.
Immunotherapy
Checkpoint inhibitors (anti-PD-1, anti-CTLA-4) are the standard in metastatic melanoma and are used as adjuvant treatment in high-risk stages.
Targeted treatment (BRAF/MEK)
In melanomas with a BRAF mutation (about half of cases), the combination of BRAF and MEK inhibitors produces a rapid, powerful response.
Radiosurgery for metastases
Metastases in the brain and other organs are controlled with CyberKnife radiosurgery, in combination with systemic treatment.
Why international patients choose Anadolu
- Affiliation with Johns Hopkins Medicine — shared clinical protocols with one of the largest medical centres in the United States.
- JCI, ESMO and OECI accreditations — internationally recognised quality and patient safety.
- Multidisciplinary tumour boards — your treatment plan is decided not by a single doctor but by a team of specialists.
- Support in English — a coordinator and an interpreter at every step, from your first enquiry to discharge.
- A transparent cost estimate before you travel — you know the estimated cost of treatment in advance.
- Practical assistance — our team assists with travel and, where needed, visa formalities.
Specialist doctors
Mehmet Coşkun Acay
Specialist physician
Dermatology
Yeşim Yıldırım
Professor of Medical Oncology
Medical Oncology
İbrahim Akmaz
Associate Professor of Orthopaedics and Traumatology
Orthopaedics and TraumatologyHow to start your treatment
Send your records
Reports, scans and test results — via the form, by email or WhatsApp.
The doctor’s opinion
A specialist will review your case free of charge within 48 hours.
Plan and cost estimate
You will receive the treatment plan and its estimated cost — before you travel.
Arrival and treatment
Transfers, accommodation and an interpreter — everything is arranged by the hospital.
Frequently asked questions — melanoma
I had a mole removed and the result shows melanoma — what should I do now?
A re-excision with adequate margins and, depending on the thickness of the tumour, a sentinel lymph node biopsy are needed. Send the histology result — the board will confirm the plan within 48 hours.
What is the BRAF mutation?
It is a genetic change in the tumour that allows targeted drugs to be used. The test is performed on tumour tissue and is part of the standard work-up at Anadolu.
Can metastatic melanoma be cured?
In some patients, modern immunotherapy achieves lasting remissions extending over several years. The outcome depends on the extent and biology of the tumour; the board will assess your case realistically.
How long does immunotherapy last?
Infusions are given every 3 to 6 weeks; after treatment has started, some of the cycles can, in line with the hospital’s protocol, be given closer to home.
How can I get a medical second opinion?
Send your histology, PET-CT/CT results and photographs of the skin lesion via the form or WhatsApp — the response reaches you within 48 hours, free of charge.
Request a treatment plan and cost estimate
Free: a specialist will review your records within 48 hours.