What is stage 1 melanoma? In stage 1, cancer has grown below the epidermis into the dermis, but has not spread to nearby lymph nodes or distant sites. This means that with treatment, your melanoma is not likely to come back. Learn about stage 1 melanoma (IA & IB)
STAGE 1 IS DIVIDED INTO TWO SUBGROUPS Subgroup 1A: The tumor is 1mm (millimeter) thick or less, with or without ulceration (broken skin).
Subgroup 1B: The tumor is either: l Less than 1mm thick and ulcerated, OR l 1–2mm thick and not ulcerated
How is stage 1 melanoma treated? Doctors treat stage 1 melanoma with surgery to remove the cancer. Usually this is a procedure called a wide local excision. This is when a larger oval-shaped piece of tissue is removed from the skin to remove any cancer cells left after the biopsy.
Stage 1 melanoma is highly curable — as long as the doctors are sure they removed enough surrounding skin, this is all the treatment you will typically need.
Melanoma Patient and Caregiver Guide | Stages 0–1 8
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