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June 30, 2022 in About Donation, Registration

Can I Donate if I’ve Had Melanoma?

Yes. There are situations when a person who has had or has melanoma can donate organs, eyes and tissue.

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Can I Donate Organs if I’ve Had Melanoma? 

There are very few circumstances that would automatically rule a person out as an organ donor. Diseases and medical conditions are not what make organ donation such a rare gift. Often, registered donors can give some gifts to save and heal lives even if they are not able to give all gifts possible. For example, maybe a person’s lungs and heart are healthy but other organs are not, we would recover those gifts that are healthy to ensure safe transplant to critically ill patients.

If a person is registered as a donor when they pass away, LifeSource would have a conversation with the family to learn general information about their medical history. Medical professionals evaluate all potential donors to ensure they are safe for transplant. It is the combination of evaluation, testing and information from families that allows us to save lives through recovery and transplant.

Can I Donate Tissue or Eyes if I’ve Had Melanoma?

While it is rare for people with melanoma to donate tissue or eyes, it is possible.

Many factors play a role in diagnosing if tissues and corneas are appropriate for transplant. Any possible tissue or eye donor would be evaluated. If there are concerns about a certain disease, LifeSource will review criteria with tissue and eye partners to see if there continues to be potential for donation.

If You Want to Help Others Through Donation, Register.

Medical professionals always evaluate potential donors. They will determine if their life-saving gifts are safe to transplant. Anyone who wants to help others by being an organ, eye or tissue donor should register.

Did You Know?

  • Melanoma can spread earlier and more quickly than other skin cancers.
  • Many melanomas are dark brown or black but some have no color and appear as pink spots or bumps.
  • If caught early, melanoma is treatable.
  • You can reduce your risk of melanoma by avoiding long periods of intense sunlight exposure and using sunscreen with both UVA and UVB protection.