What is the difference between Breslow and Clark?
The Clark scale is used to determine how many layers of the skin the melanoma has grown into; the Breslow scale is used to determine how thick the melanoma is. The melanoma cells are only in the top layer of the skin, the epidermis.
What does Level 3 melanoma mean?
Level 3 means the melanoma cells are touching the next layer down known as the reticular dermis (deep dermis) Level 4 means the melanoma has spread into the reticular dermis. Level 5 means the melanoma has grown into the layer of fat under the skin (subcutaneous fat)
What is Breslow measurement?
Breslow’s depth is determined by using an ocular micrometer at a right angle to the skin to directly measure the depth to which tumor cells have invaded the skin. Breslow’s depth is measured from the granular layer of the epidermis down to the deepest point of invasion (sometimes involving detached nests of cells).
Is Stage 3 melanoma terminal?
Prognosis for Stage 3 Melanoma: With appropriate treatment, Stage III melanoma is considered intermediate to high risk for recurrence or metastasis. With all melanoma, the earlier it is detected and treated, the better. The 5-year survival rate as of 2018 for regional melanoma (Stage III) is 63.6%.
Can melanoma be completely cured?
Treatment can completely cure melanoma in many cases, especially when it has not spread extensively. However, melanoma can also recur. It is natural to have questions about the treatment, its side effects, and the chances of cancer recurring.
Can you beat Stage 3 melanoma?
How long can you live with stage 3 melanoma?
Stage III: The 5-year survival rate is approximately 45%. It is higher if the melanoma has spread to only one node and is lower if it has spread to more than 3. It is higher if the spread can only be seen under the microscope. It is lower if the melanoma was ulcerated.
What are the Clark and Breslow levels of melanoma?
Clark Level. Level 2: Melanoma has invaded the papillary dermis (the outermost layer of the dermis, the next layer of skin). Level 3: Melanoma has invaded throughout the papillary dermis and is touching on the next, deeper layer of the dermis. Level 4: Melanoma has invaded this next deeper layer, the reticular dermis.
What is the Breslow depth and Clark level?
The Breslow Depth is a helpful measure of how far melanoma has invaded the body and the Clark Level is a staging system that describes the depth of melanoma as it grows in the skin.
What is the Clark scale for melanoma in situ?
Clark scale. Level 1 is also called melanoma in situ – the melanoma cells are only in the outer layer of the skin (the epidermis) Level 2 means there are melanoma cells in the layer directly under the epidermis (the papillary dermis) Level 3 means the melanoma cells are throughout the papillary dermis and touching on the next layer down…
What does a Clark Level 3 lesion mean?
Clark’s Level III is an outdated method of describing a lesion. You really want to know the Breslow depth. Ask for a copy of the pathology report. A Level III lesion could cover a wide range of depths. The fact that her lesion was a shave biopsy also means the lesion might have been bisected.
