MRF-Logo2019-Horizontal-RGB
What stage?
REGISTER
The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Content within the patient forum is user-generated and has not been reviewed by medical professionals. Other sections of the Melanoma Research Foundation website include information that has been reviewed by medical professionals as appropriate. All medical decisions should be made in consultation with your doctor or other qualified medical professional.

What stage?

› Forums › Cutaneous Melanoma Community › What stage?

  • Post
    • January 8, 2018 at 11:33 am
    dbrown
    Participant

      I have recently been diagnosed with a level 4 malignant melanoma with nevoid and desmoplastic components. At least 2.1mm in thickness. 6 mitosis per sq mm. All I have is the pathology report and booked to see plastics surgeon on Wednesday. How do you know the stage? Do you have to wait until it is removed? Does this diagnosis sound bad? Thanks

    Viewing 1 reply thread
    • Replies
        • January 8, 2018 at 1:13 pm
        Tracyyy
        Participant

          Hi, probably this means that you are Clark's level 4, which is very much different from stage 4. Stage is determined by sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) which aim is to check if there are some melanoma cells that have spread to the sentinel lymph nodes. I know waiting is devastating but my advice is not to rush into negative thоughts. Take one step at a time and consult melanoma specialist. Good luck and stay positive! Keep us updated with your results.

          Here is a link you may find helpful regarding melanoma stages: https://www.melanoma.org/understand-melanoma/diagnosing-melanoma/stages-of-diagnosis

          • January 8, 2018 at 6:21 pm
          Janner
          Participant

            So this lesion is either stage IIA or IIB, I believe.  Depends on if any ulceration were noted.  This would be the preliminary staging.  After you have the SLNB, the staging will be re-evaluated.  Desmoplastic melanoma tends to be a little different from some of the other types of melanoma.  At this time, it's honestly better to wait until after you have your surgery and get your complete staging before you start researching and worrying.  Then you'll know really what to research.  The treatment options are quite different if you have negative lymph nodes vs positive.  Being in "limbo" and waiting sucks but we've all been there and done that.  Just try to keep yourself distracted.  Good luck!

              • January 9, 2018 at 12:37 am
              Treadlightly
              Participant

                Because your melanoma depth was determined to be greater than 1 mm, you cannot be assigned a stage until you are given a sentinel lymph node biopsy (SNLB). The fact that you were not told this fact is a pet peeve of mine with the healthcare system. They are too often not thorough in communicating facts and details to patients. In my case, I was NEVER told my stage…even after my SNLB. I had to go back to my doctor to ask what my stage I was determined to be.

                Your chances are very good for having a negative SNLB. My melanoma was almost twice the depth of yours and I still had a negative SNLB. If your SNLB is negative, then you will be considered to be free of the disease following your wide local excision (with clean margins).

                It is tough to be in this "limbo" period…between diagnosis and staging…which of course tells us our actual prognosis. Try to stay positive and do your best to not think about it. That is easier said than done…but you can take proactive steps to remain engaged in activities or actions that will distract you and help you pass the time until you get your answers.

                Good luck!
                Mark (Stage IIA…3.7mm depth, no ulceration, negative SNLB)

          Viewing 1 reply thread

          Tagged: 

          • You must be logged in to reply to this topic.
          About the MRF Patient Forum

          The MRF Patient Forum is the oldest and largest online community of people affected by melanoma. It is designed to provide peer support and information to caregivers, patients, family and friends. There is no better place to discuss different parts of your journey with this cancer and find the friends and support resources to make that journey more bearable.

          The information on the forum is open and accessible to everyone. To add a new topic or to post a reply, you must be a registered user. Please note that you will be able to post both topics and replies anonymously even though you are logged in. All posts must abide by MRF posting policies.

          Popular Topics