Disease Overview：Melanoma（MM）
Melanoma is a malignant neoplasm arising from melanocytes—pigment-producing cells predominantly located in the epidermis, but also found in mucosal surfaces, uveal tract, and meninges. It accounts for the majority of skin cancer–related mortality despite representing only about 1% of all cutaneous malignancies. Key risk factors include ultraviolet radiation exposure, fair phototype, numerous atypical nevi, and genetic predispositions such as CDKN2A mutations. Clinical presentation varies widely: early-stage lesions may exhibit asymmetry, irregular borders, color variegation, diameter >6 mm, or evolving morphology (ABCDE criteria); advanced disease frequently involves lymphatic spread, satellite metastases, or distant organ involvement—most commonly lung, liver, brain, and bone. Staging follows the AJCC TNM classification, guiding therapeutic decisions ranging from wide local excision for Stage I/II to adjuvant immunotherapy (e.g., anti-PD-1 agents), targeted therapy (BRAF/MEK inhibitors), or multimodal approaches including sentinel lymph node biopsy, regional nodal dissection, and stereotactic radiosurgery for oligometastatic disease.
China offers compelling advantages for melanoma management: Tier-1 oncology centers—such as Peking University Cancer Hospital and Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center—host multidisciplinary melanoma tumor boards with internationally trained dermatologic oncologists, surgical oncologists, and molecular pathologists. These institutions utilize next-generation sequencing for BRAF/NRAS/KIT mutation profiling, digital dermoscopy with AI-assisted lesion analysis, and linear accelerators equipped for image-guided radiotherapy. Five-year survival rates for Stage III melanoma treated with combined immunotherapy regimens exceed 60% in high-volume centers—comparable to U.S. NCI-designated programs—while average treatment costs remain 40–60% lower than in Western Europe or North America. As a dedicated medical tourism agency, we facilitate seamless international patient access: coordinating appointments with certified specialists, verifying hospital accreditation and surgeon credentials, providing itemized, pre-approved cost estimates, arranging visa support and post-treatment follow-up logistics—all with full transparency and no hidden fees.
Melanoma: treatment in China helps patients compare specialist hospitals, initial assessment steps and estimated costs that may vary by city, institution and clinical condition.
Medical Treatment Guide
Treatment Options & Itemized Cost Breakdown: Melanoma (Oncology Department)
Non-Surgical / Systemic Therapy Options
*Indicated for Stage III–IV unresectable/metastatic disease, adjuvant therapy post-resection, or inoperable primary lesions.*
- •BRAF/MEK Inhibitors (e.g., dabrafenib + trametinib)
- *Monthly cost:* ¥22,000–¥28,000 ($3,050–$3,880); 12-month adjuvant course: ¥264,000–¥336,000 ($36,600–$46,600) - *Monitoring:* Monthly LFTs/ECG (¥120; $17), q3mo CT/PET-CT (¥3,200; $445)
- •Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors
- *Ipilimumab + nivolumab combo:* ¥18,500/dose ($2,565); 4 doses → ¥74,000 ($10,270) - *Baseline labs (CBC, CMP, TSH, cortisol):* ¥380 ($53)
Surgical / Procedural Options
*All procedures performed in Oncology or General Surgery departments; no ophthalmic involvement.*
- •Wide Local Excision (WLE)
- *Procedure fee:* ¥4,800–¥7,500 ($665–$1,040); margin-dependent (1–2 cm) - *Pre-op workup:* Dermoscopy (¥150; $21), sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) planning (¥600; $83), ECG + chest X-ray (¥220; $30)
- •Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy (SLNB)
- *Fee:* ¥5,900–¥8,300 ($820–$1,150); includes radiocolloid injection, gamma probe guidance, intraoperative pathology - *Pre-op lymphoscintigraphy:* ¥1,400 ($195)
- •Completion Lymphadenectomy
- *Fee:* ¥12,600–¥16,800 ($1,750–$2,330); inguinal/axillary basin-specific
Special/Complex Condition Management
- •Brain Metastases (asymptomatic): Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) — ¥18,000–¥24,000 ($2,500–$3,330); includes MRI fusion planning
- •Leptomeningeal Disease: Intrathecal interleukin-2 (off-label) — ¥9,500/course ($1,320); requires lumbar puncture + CSF cytology (¥420; $58)
- •BRAF wild-type advanced disease: Anti-CTLA-4 + anti-PD-1 combo — ¥92,000 ($12,770) for full induction
Quick Selection Guide
- •<60 years, Stage II, no comorbidities: WLE + SLNB (Total: ¥12,000–¥17,000 / $1,665–$2,360)
- •Stage III, BRAF-mutated, budget >¥300,000: Adjuvant dabrafenib/trametinib (optimal recurrence reduction)
- •Stage IV, BRAF wild-type, limited metastases: Anti-PD-1 monotherapy + SRS for oligo-brain mets (Total Year 1: ¥145,000 / $20,100)
- •>75 years, multiple comorbidities, Stage IIIB: WLE only (no SLNB); avoid systemic therapy unless performance status ≥ECOG 0–1
- •Low-income patients (medical insurance coverage): First-line anti-PD-1 (toripalimab) covered at 60–70% subsidy; out-of-pocket ~¥35,000 ($4,850) for induction
Pricing & Service Differences: International / VIP Dept vs. Regular Clinic
International Medical Services (IMS / VIP Departments) at Grade-3A public hospitals and private international clinics operate under self-regulated VIP fee schedules. Fees are higher than standard public clinics (which are subsidized solely for domestic citizens and do not accept overseas insurances). In exchange, international patients receive 6 exclusive medical privileges:
Recommended Hospitals
Explore selected Grade 3A public hospitals in China with rich clinical experience for this condition:
🌴 Recommended Melanoma Medical Vacation Packages
Curated transparent all-inclusive packages combining Melanoma treatment with China top medical destinations:
