Determining the Stage of Melanoma
After diagnostic testing is complete, your cancer care team will determine the stage of the melanoma.
Several factors are considered, including the thickness of the tumor, whether the skin over the tumor is ulcerated, and whether cancer cells have spread beyond the original site such as into lymph nodes or other organs.
Stage 0 (Melanoma In Situ)
Stage 0 melanoma is confined to the outer layer of the skin (epidermis) and has not spread. Treatment typically involves surgical removal, and outcomes are generally excellent.
Stage I Melanoma
Stage I melanoma is a thin tumor that remains localized to the skin. Surgery is often the primary treatment, and cure rates are high when detected early.
Stage II Melanoma
Stage II melanoma is thicker and may have features that increase the risk of recurrence. Although it has not spread to lymph nodes or distant organs, additional evaluation and treatment may be recommended.
Stage III Melanoma
Stage III melanoma has spread to nearby lymph nodes or nearby skin and lymphatic channels. Treatment often includes surgery combined with systemic therapies such as immunotherapy or targeted therapy.
Stage IV Melanoma
Stage IV melanoma has spread to distant organs or tissues, such as the lungs, liver, brain, or distant lymph nodes. Advanced treatments, including immunotherapy and targeted therapy, have significantly improved outcomes for many patients with metastatic melanoma.
Why Staging Matters
Your stage helps determine:
- The most effective treatment options
- Whether surgery is appropriate
- If systemic therapies are recommended
- Eligibility for clinical trials
- Follow-up and surveillance recommendations
At RMCC, staging information is reviewed by a multidisciplinary team to create a personalized treatment plan for each patient.
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