Survival Rates by Stages of Melanoma Treatment

Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer, as it spreads the quickest. Your survival rate depends upon a timely diagnosis and treatment. The American Cancer Society (ACS) explains that timely treatment is crucial to older people and African-Americans, as their survival rates are generally shorter.

Variables

There are four stages of melanoma cancer treatment. The ACS reports that your survival rate during each stage correlates to the tumor size and the spreading of melanoma to your lymph nodes and other organs.

Stage One

Stage one of melanoma cancer is the least severe. According to the ACS, the melanoma does not spread during stage one and that a typical five-year survival rate is 99 percent.

Stage Two

During stage two, the tumor grows by an average of 2 millimeters but has still not spread to other parts of your body. The typical survival rate drops slightly to 92 percent after five years, according to the ACS.

Stage Three

Stage three of melanoma cancer is more difficult to treat, as it spreads to your lymph nodes. The ACS reports that your approximate chance of survival after five years is between 27 percent and 68 percent.

Stage Four

Stage four of melanoma cancer is the deadliest, as the cancer spreads to vital organs. According to the ACS, the average person has a five-year survival rate of 18 percent.

References

• ACS: How is Melanoma Skin Cancer Staged?