What Melanoma Stage I (T1–2, N0, M0) Means
Breslow thickness: 0.8–4.0 mm with or without ulceration; <0.8 mm with ulceration or mitotic rate ≥1/mm². No lymph node involvement. No distant metastases.
Treatment Approach for Melanoma Stage I (T1–2, N0, M0)
Wide local excision (10–20 mm margins depending on thickness and anatomic location). SLNB recommended for T1b–T4 (Breslow ≥0.8 mm). Adjuvant interferon or checkpoint inhibitors (nivolumab, pembrolizumab) considered for stage IB with ulceration or high mitotic rate (improves recurrence-free but not overall survival). Follow-up: clinical examination every 3–6 months for 3 years, then annually; imaging per risk stratification.
Survival Rates and Prognosis
The 5-year survival rate for skin cancer at Melanoma Stage I (T1–2, N0, M0) is approximately 5-year survival: 85–95% (stage IA); 70–80% (stage IB). Survival rates are statistical averages drawn from large patient populations and may not reflect your individual outcome. Factors that influence your specific prognosis include your age, overall health, tumour biology, and how well the cancer responds to treatment.
Important: These numbers are drawn from historical data. Newer treatments available today may improve outcomes beyond what published statistics show. Discuss your individual prognosis with your oncologist.
How Other Stages Compare
| Stage | 5-Year Survival | Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Non-Melanoma: Low-Risk BCC/SCC | 5-year recurrence-free survival: >95% | Mohs micrographic surgery (preferred), wide local excision, curettage and… |
| Non-Melanoma: High-Risk BCC/SCC | 5-year recurrence-free survival: 50–80%; metastatic risk 5–20% for aggressive SCC variants | Mohs micrographic surgery or wide local excision with adequate margins (5–10… |
| Melanoma Stage II (T3–4, N0, M0) | 5-year survival: 60–75% (stage IIA–IIB); 50–60% (stage IIC) | Wide local excision (10–20 mm margins). SLNB strongly recommended. Adjuvant… |
| Melanoma Stage III (T1–4, N1–3, M0) | 5-year survival: 50–70% (stage IIIA); 40–50% (stage IIIB); 25–40% (stage IIIC) | Complete lymph node dissection (CLND) historically standard; trend toward… |
| Melanoma Stage IV (Any T, Any N, M1) | 5-year survival: 20–40% (with modern immunotherapy/targeted therapy); 5–15% (historical, pre-checkpoint inhibitor era) | Systemic therapy: (1) Checkpoint inhibitor monotherapy (pembrolizumab,… |
| Merkel Cell Carcinoma (Stage I–IV) | 5-year survival: 70–80% (stage I); 50% (stage II–III); 25% (stage IV) | Stage I–II: wide local excision (1–2 cm margins) + SLNB + adjuvant radiation…. |
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VICI Healthcare is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified oncologist.