Melanoma Stage Calculator

Melanoma Staging:

\[ Stage = Function\ of\ Thickness,\ Ulceration,\ Lymph\ Nodes\ (AJCC) \]

Melanoma Stage:

Unit Converter ▲

Unit Converter ▼

From:	To:

1. What is Melanoma Staging?

Melanoma staging is based on the AJCC (American Joint Committee on Cancer) TNM system, which considers tumor thickness (T), lymph node involvement (N), and distant metastasis (M). This calculator focuses on the T and N components for localized and regional disease.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the AJCC 8th edition melanoma staging criteria:

\[ Stage = Function\ of\ Thickness,\ Ulceration,\ Lymph\ Nodes \]

Key factors:

Thickness: Measured in millimeters (Breslow depth)
Ulceration: Presence or absence of ulceration
Lymph Nodes: Involvement of regional lymph nodes

Explanation: The staging system categorizes melanoma from stage 0 (in situ) to stage IV (distant metastasis), with substages based on specific tumor characteristics.

3. Importance of Melanoma Staging

Details: Accurate staging guides treatment decisions, predicts prognosis, and helps determine follow-up frequency. Early-stage melanomas have excellent prognosis, while advanced stages require more aggressive treatment.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter tumor thickness in mm (pathology report value), select ulceration status and lymph node involvement. All values must be valid (thickness > 0).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between clinical and pathological staging?
A: Clinical staging is based on physical exam and imaging, while pathological staging incorporates microscopic findings from excised tissue.

Q2: How does ulceration affect staging?
A: Ulceration upstages the tumor within each T category (e.g., a 1.5mm ulcerated tumor is IIA vs IB for non-ulcerated).

Q3: What if sentinel lymph node biopsy is positive?
A: Any lymph node involvement automatically makes it at least stage III, regardless of tumor thickness.

Q4: Are there other factors not included in this calculator?
A: Yes, mitotic rate is important for thin melanomas (<1mm), and distant metastasis would make it stage IV.

Q5: How often does staging criteria change?
A: AJCC updates staging guidelines periodically (current is 8th edition). Always consult latest guidelines for clinical decisions.