Once it is determined that the patient has melanoma, the next step will be to establish its stage. All cancers, including melanoma, are categorized in stages.
The stage of the melanoma will depend on the depth of penetration, thickness, and the degree to which it has spread. The stage will also determine the course of treatment.
Dedicated board certified dermatologist Dr. Jamie McGinness and Jackie McGinness, FNP (Nurse Practitioner), who both treat general derm patients, provide skin care treatments to patients in Shiloh, IL; St. Louis, MO, and surrounding locations.
Stage 0 to Stage IV
Stage 0 and Stage I melanoma are localized. Stage 0 growths are in-situ which means that they have not yet penetrated the skin’s outer layer (dermis). Stage I tumors have penetrated beneath the epidermis into the next skin layer (dermis).
However, the tumors are small and do not have characteristics such as ulceration that create a high risk of metastasizing (spreading) to the surrounding lymph nodes or beyond.
Stage II tumors are also localized, but they are more substantial (usually one mm or more in thickness) and/or may have other characteristics such as ulceration that creates a higher risk of metastasizing. These melanomas are considered “high-risk” or intermediate melanomas.
Stages III and IV melanomas are advanced melanomas that have spread to other areas of the body. Within these stages, there are subdivisions as well.
New Melanoma Staging System
An extraordinary joint effort by cancer centers around the globe has led to the updating of the classification system recommended by the American Joint Commission on Cancer (AJCC) on January 1, 2018.
This system incorporates new findings on melanoma to provide the most appropriate diagnosis and prognosis (a forecast of the likely progression of the melanoma).
Stage 0
This melanoma is non-invasive (in situ) melanoma and is restricted to the epidermis.
Stage I
Invasive tumors continue to be classified as Stage I if they are not ulcerated and are below one mm in Breslow depth (as of January 1, 2018). But tumors larger than 0.8 mm in Breslow depth or below 0.8 mm but ulcerated are now classified as concerning enough to be categorized under T1b instead of T1a.
Sentinel lymph node biopsy may be used to determine whether the melanoma cells in such tumors have spread to the nearby lymph nodes.
Stage II
Tumors that are 1.0 to 4.0 mm in size and/0r are ulcerated are categorized as intermediate, high-risk (stage II) tumors. These tumors are at a significant risk of metastasizing to the surrounding lymph nodes or beyond. In case of such tumors, patients are usually advised to undergo sentinel lymph node biopsy.
Thick melanomas, which are clinically considered stage II, but they are at a significant risk of spreading, and are larger than 4.0 mm. Patients are usually advised to undergo sentinel lymph node biopsy for such tumors.
Stage III
A crucial change occurs by the time a melanoma becomes Stage III or beyond. By this time, Breslow thickness is not relevant and is not included in staging. However, the presence of microscopic ulceration will continue to be considered as it has a vital impact on disease progression.
The tumor has either spread to the surrounding lymph nodes or to the skin between the primary tumor and lymph nodes.
Stage IV
The melanoma has spread to lymph nodes that are at a distance from the primary tumor or to the internal organs, usually the lung. This is followed by descending order of frequency of spread to the liver, brain, bone, and gastrointestinal tract.
Board certified dermatologist Dr. Jamie McGinness and Jackie McGinness, FNP (Nurse Practitioner) receive patients from Shiloh, IL; St. Louis, MO, and nearby areas for various skin treatments.
If you would like to learn more about procedures and treatments at Metro East Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center by Board Certified Dermatologist Dr. Jamie L. McGinness please contact us here or call (618) 622-SKIN (7546)
Taking new patients in and around the greater St. Louis, Missouri and Illinois area: East St. Louis Missouri, Shiloh Illinois, Belleville, Millstadt, Saint Clair County, Madison County and more.
It is important to practice sun safety not only in the summer, but also throughout the year. Both men and women should ideally assess their skin from head-to-toe every month to check for any suspicious looking lesions. 
The Skin Cancer Foundation has advised sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher) use as a vital part of a sun protection regimen since its inception in 1979. However, sunscreen alone will not suffice. Various other preventive steps should be followed as advised by a skin care professional.