Hi, tell me a way to cure a malignant melanoma that has metastesised in two axillary lymph nodes? chemo, radiation and surgery is not an option.

Cure?: I'm not sure how to cure something without treating it. If you have decided not to have chemo, radiation, or surgery, you have essentially chosen to do nothing. Please go back to your surgeon or oncologist and reconsider your options.

Adjuvant therapy: Clinical trial will be an option- go to www.Clinicaltrials.Gov . For instance- a study using biological agent or a study to compare ipilimumab vs interferon for high risk melanoma are still open. Discuss with your oncologist possible option/clinical trials that would fit for your case.

Axillary dissection: First a metastatic work-up should be performed to determine if the melanoma has traveled to other locations in your body. This is performed with a chest/abd/pelvis ct scan, whole body pet scan, and a brain mri. In addition you should have the remaining lymph nodes in your axilla removed with an axillary dissection.

Limited options: Ask yourself why these are not options, and discuss with a surgical oncologist. Patients do very well after an axillary dissection and return to normal activities with the arm. You may be relying on incorrect information in making that decision. The most feared side effect, lymphedema, will likely occur anyway secondary to the cancer under the arm. Surgery alone may be curative.