What Is It?
The depth of a melanoma is measured by how much the melanoma extends into the dermis. The dermis is the layer of skin under the outermost layer (the epidermis). It is a thicker layer that holds blood capillaries, nerve endings, sweat glands, etc. The epidermis does not contain any of those larger structures found in the dermis. Melanoma in situ is considered stage 0, meaning it does not extend into the dermis at all. The cancer cells are confined to the top layer of the skin (epidermis) and can be removed surgically.
Risks
Melanoma in situ does not directly put patients at risk of death in the way that later-stage melanomas can. However, people who have had a melanoma in situ are at risk for developing a second melanoma.
Treatment Plan
Removal
- You want to get this removed, as it can continue to spread deeper with time and become malignant.
- The standard surgical margin is 0.5 cm (less than ¼ of an inch) in all directions.
- There is no need for blood work, x-rays, or lymph node sampling to treat melanoma in situ.
- There are established practice guidelines to help dermatologists and surgeons offer consistent therapy to patients.
Sunscreen
- Sunscreen has not been shown to prevent melanoma in situ, but it HAS been shown to decrease invasive melanomas. For this reason, we always recommend wearing sunscreen.
Have questions about melanoma in situ, or want a skin check? You can book online or call the office at 423-528-8833. This page is for general education, not a substitute for a personal exam.