The Stages of Skin Cancer

While there are a few tests to determine the stage of skin cancer, the TNM method is the most widely used system. The T represents tumor, this is a growth on the surface of the skin. The thickness of the tumor is used to determine the stage. N represents the lymph nodes. Cancer cells in the lymph nodes indicates a spread of the melanoma. The M stands for metastasis, or the spreading of cancer to other organs.

Using TNM, doctors are able to identify, by Roman Numerals I-IV (1-4) what stage the skin cancer is in and the chances for patient survival.

Stage O is the earliest stage of skin cancer, and has the highest chance of patient survival. In stage O, the melanoma appears as a growth or abnormality on the surface of the skin only, this indicates that the cancer has not spread.

Stage I melanoma is less than one 16th of an inch in thickness, and can usually be treated by removing the cancerous growth.

In Stage II the melanoma appears to be slightly thicker or larger, indicating a spread deeper into the structure of the skin. This stage still maintains a high survival rate because the cancer has not spread to the lymph nodes or other organs.

Stage III indicates a spread from the skin to the lymph nodes near the growth. In the case of stage III melanoma, your oncologist may recommend chemotherapy.

In stage IV, the cancer cells have spread to the other organs and your oncologist will advise you as to your treatment options.

It is best to seek treatment for skin cancer when it is in its earliest stages. There are more treatment options and a higher chance of survival if you catch the signs early. Make an appointment with your physician as soon as you notice any changes, growths or other skin abnormalities.

source: Thomas Karrs MD