1. What is the MIA Melanoma Risk Model?

The MIA (Melanoma Institute Australia) model estimates melanoma risk based on tumor thickness, ulceration status, and anatomical location. It provides a more accurate assessment of prognosis than traditional staging systems.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the MIA model:

Where:

• Thickness — Tumor thickness in millimeters (Breslow depth)
• Ulceration — Presence or absence of ulceration
• Location — Anatomical location (axial vs extremity)

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

3. Importance of Risk Calculation

Details: Accurate risk estimation is crucial for determining appropriate follow-up schedules, adjuvant therapy options, and patient counseling.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter tumor thickness in mm, select ulceration status and anatomical location. All values must be valid (thickness > 0).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why use the MIA model instead of AJCC staging?
A: The MIA model provides more individualized risk estimates and better discriminates risk within AJCC stages.

Q2: What are the key risk factors in melanoma?
A: The three strongest prognostic factors are tumor thickness, ulceration status, and anatomical location.

Q3: How is tumor thickness measured?
A: Thickness should be measured microscopically from the granular layer to the deepest tumor cell (Breslow depth).

Q4: Are there limitations to this model?
A: The model may be less accurate for very rare subtypes or in patients with multiple primary melanomas.

Q5: Should this be used for treatment decisions?
A: The model provides prognostic information but treatment decisions should consider multiple factors including patient preferences.