Melanoma Treatment in Seoul, Korea – Dermatologist Care for International Patients

Melanoma is a serious and potentially life-threatening form of skin cancer that requires early diagnosis and expert treatment. If you’re living in or visiting Korea and notice a suspicious mole or changing skin lesion, it’s important to seek immediate evaluation from a board-certified dermatologist. In Seoul, top-tier dermatology and university hospitals offer comprehensive melanoma screening, diagnosis, and surgical treatment, with care available in English for international patients.

Cost of Melanoma Screening and Treatment in Korea

Treatment costs can vary based on the stage, size, and procedures needed:

• Dermatology Consultation: ₩30,000–₩70,000
• Skin Biopsy (Punch or Excision): ₩80,000–₩200,000
• Histopathology Report: ₩50,000–₩150,000
• Wide Local Excision (Outpatient Surgery): ₩300,000–₩800,000
• Referral for Oncology Treatment (if needed): Based on hospital and insurance coverage

Note: Korea’s medical system offers efficient scheduling, and many top hospitals accept international insurance.

What Is Melanoma?

Melanoma is a malignant tumor that develops from pigment-producing skin cells (melanocytes). It often presents as an irregular or changing mole and can appear anywhere on the body. Early-stage melanoma is often curable with surgery, but if left untreated, it can spread to lymph nodes or internal organs.

Warning Signs of Melanoma (ABCDE Rule)

• Asymmetry: One half looks different from the other
• Border: Irregular, blurred, or jagged edges
• Color: Uneven colors (black, brown, red, or blue)
• Diameter: Larger than 6 mm (size of a pencil eraser)
• Evolving: Any change in size, shape, or color over time

If you notice a suspicious spot, book a dermatology exam as soon as possible.

How Is Melanoma Diagnosed and Treated in Korea?

1. Visual & Dermatoscopic Examination

• Dermatologists use magnification and digital dermoscopy
• Helps detect early signs of melanoma and track mole changes

2. Skin Biopsy

• A small sample is removed and sent for pathology
• Confirms the diagnosis and melanoma depth (Breslow thickness)

3. Surgical Excision

• Main treatment for early-stage melanoma
• Performed under local anesthesia at dermatology clinics or hospitals
• Margins are checked to ensure full removal

4. Oncology Referral (If Advanced)

• For late-stage melanoma, dermatologists may refer to top Korean hospitals such as:
• Seoul National University Hospital
• Asan Medical Center
• Samsung Medical Center
• Oncology departments offer immunotherapy, radiation, or targeted therapies

Why Choose Korea for Melanoma Care?

• Highly trained dermatologists with experience in skin cancer care
• Access to top university hospitals and pathology labs
• Quick diagnosis and treatment scheduling
• English-speaking doctors and international patient services
• Affordable pricing compared to Western countries, with modern surgical care

Book a Melanoma Check-Up in Seoul

If you notice a suspicious mole or pigmented lesion, don’t wait. Early detection is key to treating melanoma successfully. Korea offers fast, safe, and professional skin cancer services, with English support available at many clinics and hospitals.

Contact a certified Seoul dermatologist today to book your melanoma screening.