Stages of Melanoma

Stages of Melanoma

Stages of Melanoma | Shiloh Dermatology | St Louis DermatologistOnce 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.

Melanoma Warning Signs

Melanoma Warning Signs | Shiloh Dermatology | St Louis DermatologistIt 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.

These self-exams are important for the early detection of cancer when the possibility of curing the disease is high.

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 communities.

 

Detecting Melanoma

To detect melanomas or non-melanoma skin cancers such as BCC and SCC, it is important to identify any new growths or moles, or any changes in existing growths. Other key symptoms include lesions that itch, change, bleed, or do not heal.

Early detection of melanoma (which is the most threatening type of skin cancer) is crucial and doctors have devised two distinct strategies to help ensure it can be detected in its initial stage.

 

 

  • ABCDEs
  • The Ugly Duckling Sign

 

 

ABCDE

ABCDE stands for Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter, and Evolution of a mole. Moles which are brown spots and growths on the skins are, in general, harmless. People with over 100 moles are at a higher risk for melanoma. The initial signs can manifest in one or more atypical moles.

This makes it vital to understand your skin closely and notice any mole-related changes on the body. Search for ABCDE signs of melanoma, and in case you see one, consult your dermatologist promptly.

 

The Ugly Duckling Sign

The basis of this method is that melanomas appear different from other moles, and they are the “ugly ducklings.” The reasoning in this method is that the “normal” moles on the patient’s body resemble one another, akin to siblings, while the potential melanoma looks and feels different, or changes differently over time in comparison to the other moles.

 

More than a Mole

In general, the moles on a specific person’s body tend to be similar to each other. A suspicious outlier will be a mole that appears very different compared to others on the body. This mole may fit the ABCDEs or appear dubious in another way.

For instance, if an individual has many dark, large moles and they detect a smaller, reddish mole, they should reach out to a doctor to have the area examined. Lastly, some types of skin cancers manifest in lesions that are technically not even moles.

BCC is the most common skin cancer type, and it may occur as a shiny bump in almost any hue. This includes innocuous colors like clear, pearly white, and pink. SCC, at times, looks like a bleeding, open sore or a crusty patch.  

 

Amelanotic Melanomas

A majority of melanomas display many, or all the characteristics called the ABCDEs of Melanoma, where “C” stands for color differences. These changes occur due to variations in the melanin (the normally black to a dark brown pigment found in the skin, hair, and the iris of the eye).

It is important to note that certain melanomas do not have any pigment. These lesions are called amelanotic melanomas and may be completely colorless.

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.

Melanoma Prevention and Guidelines

Melanoma Prevention and Guidelines | Shiloh Dermatology | BellevilleThe 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.

Caring 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 in this area of the Midwest.

 

Key Guidelines for Sun Protection

  • Stay in the shade, specifically between 10 am and 4 pm.
  • Avoid tanning and never use UV tanning beds.
  • Protect against getting sunburned.
  • Cover your body properly including the use of UV-safe sunglasses and a broad-brimmed hat.
  • Do not expose newborns to the sun, and use sunscreen on babies above six months of age.
  • Use one ounce or two tablespoons of sunscreen on the entire body 30 minutes before stepping out, and reapply every two hours or after profuse sweating or swimming.
  • Apply a broad spectrum UVA or UVB sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher daily. Use a water-proof, broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher for extended time spent outdoors.
  • Check your skin from head-to-toe on a monthly basis.
  • Visit a dermatologist at least annually for a professional skin examination.

 

Steps for Melanoma Prevention

Avoid Direct Sun Exposure

It is advisable to avoid sun exposure during mid-day as far as possible. The rays of the sun are usually the strongest between 10 am and 4 pm. Therefore, scheduling outdoor activities at other times during the day is recommended, even on a cloudy day or during winter.

Avoiding the strong rays of the sun can help prevent suntans and sunburns that may damage the skin and increase the risk of cancer development.

 

Apply Sunscreen throughout the Year

While sunscreens cannot protect from all damaging UV rays, it can play a crucial role in a sun protection regimen. It is advisable to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or more, and reapply it every two hours or more frequently when sweating or swimming.

Apply copious amounts of sunscreen in all the areas that are exposed such as the lips, tips of the ears, and backs of the hands and neck.  

 

Wear Protective Clothing

It is a good idea to cover the skin with dark clothing when outdoors as well as using a broad-brimmed hat for further protection. Specially designed photo-protective clothing is available as well.

Visit a dermatologist for information on selecting specialized clothing. The use of sunglasses is also advisable as it can protect against both UVA and UVB radiation.

 

Avoid Tanning Beds

While many people desire a tanned appearance, avoiding the use of tanning beds is strongly recommended. The lights used in tanning beds create UV radiation increases the risk of skin cancer.

 

Periodic Skin Assessment

It is important to check the skin frequently and consult a dermatologist at least once a year for a detailed exam. Any changes in the skin such as new growths or changes in the shape of moles or birthmarks should be evaluated by a dermatologist.

 

Sun Protection while Driving  

According to a study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology , 53 percent of skin cancers in the US develop on the left or the driver’s side of the body. This may be attributed to UV exposure when driving a vehicle.

Using transparent window film to filter out UVB and UVA rays without impacting the visibility is advisable. However, this protects only as long as the windows are closed.

Devoted board certified dermatologist Dr. Jamie McGinness and Jackie McGinness, FNP (Nurse Practitioner) receive patients from Shiloh, IL; St. Louis, MO, and other towns and cities in this part of the nation 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.

Contact Us

Metro East Dermatology &
Skin Cancer Center

331 Regency Park Drive
O’Fallon IL 62269

1000 Eleven South
Columbia IL 62236
(618) 622-SKIN (7546) (618) 622-7547