1. What is the MIA Melanoma Risk Model?

The MIA (Melanoma Institute Australia) model estimates melanoma risk based on tumor thickness, ulceration status, and mitotic rate. It provides a more accurate assessment of prognosis than older models.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the MIA model equation:

Where:

• \( Thickness \) — Tumor thickness in millimeters (mm)
• \( Ulceration \) — Presence or absence of ulceration
• \( Mitotic\ Rate \) — Number of mitoses per square millimeter (mm²)

Explanation: The equation accounts for the known prognostic factors in melanoma, with different weights for each factor.

3. Importance of Risk Calculation

Details: Accurate risk estimation is crucial for determining prognosis, guiding treatment decisions, and planning follow-up for melanoma patients.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter tumor thickness in mm, select ulceration status, and enter mitotic rate per mm². All values must be valid (thickness > 0, mitotic rate ≥ 0).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why use the MIA model instead of AJCC staging?
A: The MIA model provides more granular risk assessment and better discriminates between intermediate-risk patients.

Q2: What are the risk categories?
A: Risk is typically categorized as low, intermediate, or high based on the calculated score.

Q3: How is mitotic rate determined?
A: Mitotic rate is counted in the dermal part of the tumor in the most mitotically active area per mm².

Q4: Are there limitations to this model?
A: The model may be less accurate for very thin or very thick melanomas, or in special subtypes.

Q5: Does this replace sentinel node biopsy?
A: No, this is a complementary tool that helps in decision-making but doesn't replace pathological staging.