Stage 2

Patient Guide

What is Stage 2 Melanoma?

Stage II melanoma is only in the skin and there is no sign that it has spread to lymph nodes or other parts of the body.

 

Stage 2 is divided into 2A, 2B and 2C.

Stage 2A means ONE of the following:

  • The melanoma is between 1 and 2mm thick and is ulcerated
  • It is between 2 and 4mm and is not ulcerated

Stage IIB means ONE of the following:

  • The melanoma is between 2 and 4mm thick and is ulcerated
  • It is thicker than 4mm and is not ulcerated

Stage IIC means:

  • The melanoma is thicker than 4mm and is ulcerated

How is Stage II melanoma diagnosed?

After your initial biopsy, you will then be offered a wide local excision and you may also be offered a sentinel lymph node biopsy. 

Who will be involved in my care?

Your case and biopsy will be discussed by a Local Skin Cancer Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT). 

This team includes the following members:

  • Dermatologist (skin doctor)
  • Plastic surgeon
  • Oncologist (cancer doctor)
  • Specialist cancer nurse
  • Pathologist (who reviews the biopsy) 
  • Radiologist (x-ray/scan doctor) 
  • Possibly other types of medical support staff.

> See more information on medical teams involved in care for melanoma

What can I expect after a diagnosis of Stage 2 melanoma?

Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy

If your sentinel lymph node biopsy is positive, your melanoma will be considered stage III and you would be eligible for adjuvant treatment. An oncologist will discuss these treatments with you.

If your sentinel lymph node biopsy is negative you could only be offered adjuvant treatment as part of a clinical trial as it is not known if this treatment is beneficial in this situation as yet. For further information on clinical trials see here.

The following information should be used as part of a discussion with your medical team about the most appropriate treatment for your melanoma. Patients should also be aware that they may not be suitable for all the diagnostic interventions and treatments outlined below. There may also be variation in access to some of these due to regional service variation and limited clinical evidence.

See more about sentinel lymph node biopsy

Stage 2 melanoma: Questions you may have for your doctor

  • How was it confirmed that I have Stage 2 melanoma?
  • Will I have a wide local excision?
  • How can scarring be minimised for the procedure?
  • Was there any ulceration on the tumour?
  • Will I need a sentinel lymph node biopsy (SNLB)?
  • Do you have a recommendation for a surgeon to carry out an SNLB?
  • Do I have any other moles of concern on my body?
  • Will I need a follow up?
  • How do I reduce the risk of developing another melanoma?

NB: The information we provide here should be used as part of a discussion with your medical team about the most appropriate treatment for your melanoma. Patients should also be aware that they may not be suitable for all the diagnostic interventions and treatments we outline.