Treatment recommendations depend on the melanoma’s stage, ranging from 1 to 4:
Stage 1: Melanoma remains within the skin, growing from the outermost to the next layer. We measure depth and check for ulceration during biopsy.
Stage 2: Grown deeper into the skin but not spread elsewhere. A lymph node biopsy is needed to ensure no microscopic spread.
Stage 3: Spread to nearby lymph nodes or skin areas.
Stage 4 (metastatic): Spread to distant lymph nodes or organs like lungs, liver, bone, or brain.
Treatment is guided by the stage at diagnosis. Regardless of stage, treatments and outcomes are continually improving. I’ll ensure we discuss up-to-date best practices throughout your care.