STAGE III What do I need to know?
Diagnosis Stage III melanoma is broken down into Stage IIIA, Stage IIIB and Stage IIIC. A variety of factors are involved in this breakdown, including tumor thickness, ulceration, regional lymph node involvement, in-transit metastases and satellite metastases. In all cases of a Stage III diagnosis, the tumor may be of any thickness and it may or may not be ulcerated. The melanoma cells have spread either to a few nearby lymph nodes, or to some tissue just outside the tumor, but it has not spread to any distant organs.
Second Opinions Some people worry that doctors will be offended if they ask for a second opinion. However, most doctors welcome a second opinion and many health insurance companies will even pay for them. A second opinion may provide you with more information and, perhaps, a greater sense of control.
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