Stages of Melanoma
The Stage 0 of melanoma
What is cancer confined to the epidermis, the outermost skin layer. There are no signs the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes or to distant parts of the body.
This stage is also known as melanoma in situ.
The Asymmetry (A)
What is one half of the mole or spot does not match the other half. Melanomas are often irregular or asymmetrical in shape, while benign moles are usually symmetrical.
The most important way to lower your risk of melanoma is to protect yourself from exposure to
What is ultraviolet (UV) rays
The exposure to ultraviolet rays
What is the sun and tanning beds
The Stage I of melanoma
What is when the main tumor is no more than 2 mm thick and might or might not be ulcerated. There are no signs the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes or to distant parts of the body.
The Border Irregularity (B)
What is the edges of the mole are irregular, scalloped, or poorly defined. In contrast, benign moles typically have smooth, even borders.
The clothing worn to protect skin
What are long sleeves, hats, and sunglasses
Skin spots to check routinely
What are moles
The Stage II of melanoma
What is the main tumor is more than 1 mm thick and may be thicker than 4 mm. It might or might not be ulcerated. There are no signs the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes or to distant parts of the body.
The Color Variation (C)
What is the color of the mole is not uniform and may include different shades of brown, black, or even red, white, or blue. Benign moles usually have one or two shades of color.
The minimal level of sunscreen to apply to exposed areas of skin
What is broad spectrum sunscreen SPF 30+
The risk of melanoma is much higher for people
What is among people with lighter skin, those with red or blond hair, blue or green eyes, or skin that freckles or burns easily
The Stage III of melanoma
What is the main tumor can be any thickness, and it might or might not be ulcerated. The cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes and/or it has spread to very small areas of nearby skin (satellite tumors) or to skin lymphatic channels around the tumor. There are no signs the cancer has spread to distant parts of the body.
The Diameter (D)
What is the mole is larger than 6 millimeters (about the size of a pencil eraser). While melanomas can be smaller, larger moles are more concerning.
The time of day to avoid being outdoors
What is between the hours of 10 am – 4pm, UV light is the strongest and your chance of skin cancer and skin aging increases significantly
The history of melanoma is higher
What is if one or more of your first-degree relatives (parents, brothers, sisters, or children) has had melanoma
The Stage IV of melanoma
What is the main tumor can be any thickness, and it might or might not be ulcerated. The cancer might or might not have spread to nearby lymph nodes. The cancer has spread to distant parts of the body, such areas of skin or lymph nodes in other parts of the body, the lung(s), any other organs outside the central nervous system, the central nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, and the coverings of the brain and spinal cord
The Evolution (E)
What is the mole is changing in size, shape, or color over time. Any noticeable changes in an existing mole should be evaluated by a dermatologist.
The weather can affect UV skin exposure
What is 80% of the sun’s harmful UV rays can penetrate your skin on cloudy days. Waters, snow, and sand reflect and magnify the damaging rays of the sun, increasing your chance of sunburn.