It generally means that cancer cells have spread to the lymph nodes close to where the melanoma started the primary tumour. Or it has spread to an area between the primary tumour and the nearby lymph nodes. This area is further divided into satellite or in-transit metastases.
Satellite metastases are cancer cells that have spread very close to the primary tumour within 2 cm. In-transit metastases are cancer cells that have spread further than 2 cm but before the nearest lymph node. Stage 3 melanoma is divided into A, B, C and D depending on where the cancer has spread to, such as if there are only satellite or in-transit metastases or if there is melanoma in one or several lymph nodes.
Your doctor or specialist nurse can tell your more about what your exact stage of melanoma means. Doctors also use another staging system for melanoma called the TNM staging system. It stands for Tumour, Node, Metastasis. The stage of your cancer helps your doctor to decide what treatment you need. Treatment also depends on:. Your doctor may send a sample of the melanoma for genetic testing. This is to look for a change in a gene called BRAF. If a condition such as HIV has weakened your immune system, getting checked is especially important.
One of the best ways to avoid developing skin cancer is to wear protective sunscreen all the time. Wearing clothes that protect against the sun , such as sun-block shirts, is also helpful.
Stage 4 is the most advanced phase of melanoma. See what the symptoms of melanoma looks like and learn about your treatment options. Melanoma is one of the least common forms of skin cancer, but it's also the deadliest. See pictures of melanoma symptoms and know what to look for…. Superficial spreading melanoma is the most common form of melanoma. Learn how to identify, treat, and prevent it. Melanoma is a rare but often dangerous type of skin cancer. Learn how it's staged and treated here.
Coronary artery disease reduces blood flow to your heart. Learn how to recognize coronary artery disease symptoms, how to manage the symptoms, and…. Melanoma is a serious type of skin cancer. Read about alternative methods for treating some of the associated symptoms. Stage 3 melanoma means that the cancer has spread from the skin to the lymph nodes. Find out how to treat and manage this condition. Melanoma is a specific kind of skin cancer, also called malignant melanoma or cutaneous melanoma.
When it's diagnosed early, most people respond well…. Diagnosing skin cancer early can improve outlook. When melanoma is completely resected, it has been removed entirely surgically. Melanoma that is unresectable cannot be removed completely through surgery alone. Learn more about melanoma treatments here. Resectable Stage III Melanoma: Treatment for resectable Stage III melanoma includes surgical removal of the melanoma with wide excision, and a sentinel node biopsy may be recommended to determine if the melanoma has spread to the nearest lymph node.
If melanoma is detected in this biopsy, your doctor may recommend a complete lymph node dissection removing all lymph nodes in a specific area of the body surgically ; however, this is not recommended in all instances. Adjuvant Therapy: Patients with high-risk melanoma may choose to help delay or prevent the recurrence of melanoma through adjuvant therapy. Adjuvant therapy is additional treatment given after the primary treatment for melanoma usually surgery.
The goal of adjuvant therapy is to reduce the risk of melanoma returning. Learn more about adjuvant therapy here. Neoadjuvant Therapy: In some instances, your doctor may recommend trying to shrink the tumor before surgery.
This is referred to as neoadjuvant therapy and is typically offered through clinical trials. These therapies include:. Read more: Alternative treatments for melanoma ». The survival rates for stage 3 melanoma vary based on the size of the primary tumor and how far the cancer has spread into the lymph nodes and other organs. According to the American Cancer Society , the five-year survival rate for the stages are:. The chances of stage 3 melanoma coming back are moderate to high. The highest risk for recurrence of melanoma are the first two to three years after treatment.
According to the Magazine of European Medical Oncology , five-year recurrence-free survival rates are:. Risk factors for cancer recurrence include if four or more lymph nodes had cancer or if the lymph nodes measured more than three centimeters in size. In addition to family and friends, there are many support groups and resources who can help answer questions or provide a listening ear.
Find a melanoma support group. The American Melanoma Foundation maintains a list of support groups throughout the country — find them by clicking here. Join an online support group.
If you feel more comfortable participating in an online support group, the AIM at Melanoma Foundation offers a support community as well as counseling.
Seek financial assistance, if needed. The Melanoma Research Foundation has developed a central resource for patient assistance programs and government entities that offer financial assistance for those with melanoma. For more information, please click here. Sign up for a mentoring program. This telephone-based program is designed to provide support and encouragement to those with cancer. Other organizations that provide support for those with skin cancer include the:. Stage 4 is the most advanced phase of melanoma.
See what the symptoms of melanoma looks like and learn about your treatment options. Learn about amelanotic melanoma, including prognosis and tips for reducing risk. Diagnosing skin cancer early can improve outlook.
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