January 27, 2025
Mucosal Melanoma Fact Sheet
Mucosal Melanoma Patient Resources
A mucosal melanoma diagnosis can be overwhelming and scary. We believe that well-supported and well-informed patients live longer, better lives. We encourage you to engage with our resources!
- View a Webinar
- NEW! View the Mucosal Melanoma Webinar Series!
- Clinical Presentation and Biology of Mucosal Melanoma – presented by Richard Carvajal, MD
- Local-Regional Treatment for Mucosal Melanoma – presented by Marlana Orloff, MD
- Medical Therapy for Mucosal Melanoma – presented by Alexander Shoushtari, MD
- Biomarker Studies for Mucosal Melanoma – presented by Michael Atkins, MD
- Find Support
- Visit the Patient Forum
- The Susan Fazio Foundation for Mucosal Melanoma raises money to support the MRF’s Research Grant Program. Learn more about that funded research here.
Educational Webinars
The MRF offers webinars on a variety of topics. Have a topic you would like to recommend? Email education@melanoma.org!
Find a Melanoma Specialist
Use the Treatment Center Finder to explore mucosal melanoma treatment centers. Please note, this is not a doctor recommendation list, simply a list of specialists to get you started.
Clinical Trial Finder
The MRF’s Clinical Trial Finder will help you understand which emerging melanoma treatments may be an option for you. Clinical trials offer patients the opportunity to receive care that may not yet be the standard.
Ask a Nurse
Ask a Nurse connects you with Whitney Baylor, MSN, RN, AONN-CG, an experienced melanoma nurse who can answer your questions, explain your pathology report, and offer guidance on managing side effects. You don’t have to navigate your diagnosis alone—help is just a message away. Contact Whitney at askanurse@melanoma.org
Melanoma Research Foundation – Melanoma Patient Forum
The MRF’s online forum is a place where people affected by all types of melanoma can connect, ask questions and share experiences. Patients and caregivers can find support, learn from others and build community in a safe and welcoming space.
External Melanoma Resource:
Mucosal Melanoma Warriors Foundation – A patient-led organization offering support, education and advocacy for those affected by mucosal melanoma. Visit MMWF to connect.
Educational, Support and Other Melanoma Organizations
General Cancer Support and Information
These organizations offer broad cancer-related resources, many of which apply to mucosal melanoma patients:
- American Cancer Society – Offers education, support services, transportation, and lodging resources for cancer patients and families.
- National Cancer Institute – Provides up-to-date, research-based information on cancer treatment, clinical trials, and statistics.
- CancerCare – Offers free professional support services, including counseling, financial help, and a searchable tool for local resources.
- Cancer Support Community – Nationwide network offering psychosocial support, educational programming, and community events.
- Cancer Hope Network – Connects patients and caregivers with trained volunteers who have faced similar cancer experiences.
- Help for Cancer Caregivers – A curated platform of practical tools and emotional support for those caring for someone with cancer.
- MD Anderson Network – Cancer support group resources from a leading cancer center, including survivorship tools.
Melanoma- and Skin Cancer–Specific Support
These organizations focus specifically on melanoma, skin cancer awareness, or advocacy:
- Skin Cancer Foundation – Offers patient education on melanoma and skin cancer prevention, detection, and treatment.
- Melanoma Just Got Personal – Raises awareness and shares real stories from people impacted by melanoma.
- Faces of Skin Cancer – An online space for individuals with advanced skin cancer to share their experiences.
- Mike Geltrude Foundation, Mollie Biggane Melanoma Fund, and Bill Walter III Melanoma Research Fund – All of these organizations support melanoma awareness, fundraising, and education through advocacy, events, and storytelling.
Peer and Psychosocial Support
- These programs offer one-on-one or community-based emotional support:
- Imerman Angels – Matches patients and caregivers with trained peer mentors (“Angels”) who’ve been through similar experiences.
- AIM at Melanoma – Connect with a Peer – Offers a peer-to-peer support program that connects you with someone who understands what it’s like to face melanoma. This can be especially valuable for those with rare subtypes like acral melanoma.
If you know of a melanoma-specific resource that is missing from this list, please email education@melanoma.org.
Resources
- Lian B. Therapeutic Approaches to Mucosal Melanoma. PubMed. 2025. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40435430
- Wei A.Z., Chen L.N., Orloff M., et al. Proceedings from the Melanoma Research Foundation Mucosal Melanoma Meeting (December 16, 2022 – New York, USA). Pigment Cell & Melanoma Research. 2023; 36(6): 542-556. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37804122
- Cleveland Clinic. Mucosal Melanoma: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment. 2025. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24643-mucosal-melanoma
- Cancer Treatment Centers of America. Mucosal Melanoma: Symptoms, Treatment & Survival Rate. 2025. https://www.cancercenter.com/cancer-types/melanoma/types/mucosal-melanoma
Expert Reviewers: Kasey Couts, Ph.D. and Devarati Mitra, M.D., Ph.D.
Last reviewed: 2025
If you know of a melanoma-specific resource that is missing from this list, please email education@melanoma.org.