Melanoma Guide page # 2

Why do you need to know your melanoma Stage ?

It determines if you need a surgical approach to your melanoma
It determines if you need further testing during your surgery (sentinal node biopsy)
It determines if you will need adjuvant therapy after surgeryIt determines if surgery is not indicated and other therapies (gamma knife / bio-chemotherapy etc) is needed in the place of surgery

Important Tip #1
As it is most likely that you have been in some ‘shock’ given the discovery of melanoma, it is important to bring another person with you to take notes on what is said or suggested during this 2nd physician visit. These can then be reviewed after the visit.

Important 2nd Visit (Diagnosis Phase) Questions for your Physician
What is MY Stage of melanoma ? (and what does that mean)
Given my Stage of Melanoma, what are you recommending will my 1st treatment (or surgery ) be?
Will my surgery / medical treatment be done here or at another center?

Simplified Melanoma Staging / Treatment Plan ChartStages of Melanoma:
Stages of MelanomaTreatment Plan(s)

Stage O (in situ) ExcisionStage I(primary < 1mm) Excision (Some centers will doCXR +/- lab work)
Stage II (deeper invasion) Excision + SNB? * Adjuvant therapy
Stage III (LN involvement) * Excision? * No therapy? * Adjuvant therapy
Stage IV (Diffuse melanoma) * Depends on site(s) Involved? * Surgery vs. Biochemo,? * Radiation, gamma knife, etc

* Note that all the these therapies are somewhat controversial as to which is the “RIGHT” therapy for advanced stage melanoma patients.