In fact, there are 4 stages of melanoma which categorize the seriousness of skin cancer. Every stage is determined by the thickness and extent that melanoma has spread to. When melanoma is diagnosed and its stage is detected, then it’s possible to determine the proper treatment.

Melanoma in stage 1 is thin. Generally the epidermis appears scraped. This skin cancer stage is usually divided into 2 subcategories. The subcategories identify the tumor thickness. Melanoma in stage 1is less than 1.0 mm; there is no ulceration. Stage 1b is of the same size but with ulceration.

Stage 2 is generally divided into 3 categories which identify the thickness and the presence of ulceration. The cancer in stage 2a reaches the size of 1.01 - 2.0 mm with ulceration. Also the tumor might be 2.01 - 4.0 mm and without ulceration. Stage 3b is characterized by a tumor with 2.01 thickness and ulceration or 4.0 thickness without ulceration.

When skin cancer comes into stage 3, there comes a significant change. As a matter of fact melanoma has spread to the lymph nodes at this stage. It’s a very severe stage of the illness because healthy lymph nodes can combat cancer and other infections.

People who in stage 3 generally have melanoma which has spread to the lymph nodes close to the primary tumor. The stage includes in-transit metastasis with skin and connective tissue which is more than two centimeters from original tumor. In the 4th stage, the melanoma spreads to the lymph nodes which are rather far from the internal organs and original tumor. The organs affected most often are the liver, lung, bone, brain, and also the gastrointestinal tract.

If you are diagnosed with the melanoma skin cancer, it is crucial to consult your doctor in terms of the tumor stage you might have. Many diagnostic techniques are used to detect the stage of skin cancer melanoma. In most cases melanomas of stage 1 and 2 shouldn’t provoke much worry as they often can be cured with surgery. There is no need to worry that you can get later melanoma stages because you suffered its early stages.

Doctors use different scales to categorize the melanoma stages. The most vital things you should remember are that tumors with 0.76 mm and lower thickness are luckily low risk, tumors with 0.76 - 1.5 mm thickness put medium risk and if the melanoma is larger than 1.5 mm you are at a really high risk. If you have melanoma it is necessary to understand what stage the tumor at and thus the doctor will determine the proper treatments for you.