Psychological Impact of Melanoma, How to Detect, Support and Help

Incidence of melanoma is increasing every year. A few years ago, we could not speak about long term survivors with melanoma. Chemotherapy did not give a good effect in the past. Metastasis occurred very rapidly, and the progression of melanoma was very fast. But now, with new forms of therapy, especially immunotherapy and target therapy, for the first time, we have long-time survivors. For the prognosis of melanoma, the most important is the stage in which melanoma is detected. For all dermatologists, it is very important to be aware of the psychological impact of melanoma on patients. Dermatologists should recognise psychological disorders. Several different scales can be used for the detection of depression and anxiety – some of them are completed by researchers, some of them are completed by patients, and also, we have combined scales. The need for adequate social and family support as well as psychological help to achieve better coping with illness is necessary. Learning techniques to overcome fear and stress would help in better functioning of all affected, regardless of the stage of the disease. The most severe cases of anxiety and depression, in addition to psychotherapeutic interventions, should also be considered medication therapy.