Amputation for Melanoma

Overview
Amputation — the surgical removal of a body part like a finger or toe — is a very rare but sometimes necessary treatment for melanoma, particularly when the cancer has advanced or recurred. This surgery is considered in specific cases, such as when a person has significant pain that can’t be controlled by medication, when a tumor has spread throughout nearby tissues, when a person has lost function of a body part due to tumor growth, or if a person's cancer recurs (returns) after one or more previous surgeries​​.

Amputation works by controlling the spread of cancer cells and helps to manage symptoms.

What does it involve?
Amputation involves surgically removing the entire affected body part. Often, a person will need to fast for at least six hours prior to the surgery. A person may also be prescribed medications to take before the surgery. Amputation is generally performed while the person is under general anesthesia, medication that causes a person to remain asleep during the surgery. 

During the surgery, the surgery team will work to retain as much healthy tissue as they can. Steps include removing the cancerous tissue; smoothing out any uneven bone; sealing blood vessels to prevent bleeding; and covering the affected area with a sterile bandage at the end. Once it’s complete, your surgeon may close the wound immediately with stitches or staples or may wait until the wound has drained.

People generally stay in the hospital for a few days following an amputation, during which the surgical team will monitor healing and provide medications to reduce pain and/or prevent infection.

Be sure to follow your surgeon’s specific instructions when preparing for amputation surgery.

Side effects
The side effects of amputation for melanoma include the physical and psychological impact of losing a part of the body. Some people may experience changes in body image, challenges in physical functioning depending on the body part removed, and the need for rehabilitation and adaptation to these changes.

For more details about this treatment, visit:

Amputation — Moffitt Cancer Center​​

Amputation — Cleveland Clinic