Melanoma is a cancer of specialized cells called melanocytes, which help make up tissue within the skin, brain, eye and intestinal tract. The cells generate a protein called melanin, which acts as a pigment to lend a tan or black appearance to tissue. During melanoma development, melanocytes begin to acquire genetic mutations and proliferate rapidly, eventually forming a tumor. Identifying melanoma in the early stages can allow for more effective cancer treatment and improved patient prognosis.
Stage 0
Stage 0 melanoma is a benign, or noninvasive lesion, according to the American Cancer Society. At this stage, the melanoma cells have begun to form an abnormal tumor within the epidermis, the outermost layer of skin, but have not yet reached the underlying dermis. The carcinoma is considered in situ, since cells within the mass have not yet gained the ability to migrate toward other tissues such as the deeper skin layers. Patients may notice the growth of an abnormally shaped mole or a new mole growth that will continue to grow if left untreated.
Stage IA
If left to progress, a precancerous melanoma will eventually turn into a cancerous lesion. A Stage IA melanoma tumor has grown to up to 1.0mm, or around 0.04 inches, in thickness. The lesion has not ulcerated, or opened to the air. At this early stage of cancer growth, the cells exhibit an accelerated but still moderate rate of cell proliferation. In addition, the cancer has not yet begun to spread outside the skin to underlying tissue. Detected at this stage, a melanoma can be effectively treated with surgery and tested to ensure the lack of cancer in the lymph nodes, according to the National Cancer Institute.
Stage IB
Stage IB melanoma is slightly more advanced, with the tumor reaching up to 2mm, or 0.08 inches, in thickness. The lesion may also have become ulcerated, forming a small wound or sore on the skin that does not heal properly. The rate of cancer cell growth in Stage IB melanoma also increases, giving rise to daughter cells at a faster rate to facilitate the growth of a tumor. At this stage, the cancer cells have not yet begun to migrate into other tissues, with no cancer growth found in the lymph nodes or in distant tissues throughout the body. At this stage, the cancer is still easily treatable with surgery, reports the National Cancer Institute. However, if left undetected or untreated, the cancer cells will continue to grow and may eventually form a harmful or even fatal tumor. Patients with any abnormal skin sores or moles should seek medical attention to rule out the possibility of melanoma.
