This process is called staging and is used to plan treatment. Melanoma is easier to treat if it is thin and becomes more difficult to treat as it becomes thicker and penetrates more deeply into the tissue of the skin.
Thicker melanoma have a greater chance of spreading.
The tumor has spread to other organs or to lymph nodes far away from the original tumor. It may come back in the original site or in another part of the body. This information is not intended to be a substitute for individual medical advice in diagnosing or treating a health problem. Please consult with your health care provider about your health care concerns.