What is Stage 0 (in situ) Melanoma?

Melissa Wilson, PA-C, MPAS and Melanoma Lead at UPMC, explains Melanoma Stage 0, sometimes referred to as ‘melanoma in situ.’
In this stage, the cancer cells have breached only the epidermis (the very outer layer of the skin). Stage 0 melanoma is contained completely in this layer and has not yet moved into the deeper layers of the skin.
Just Diagnosed? If you've been recently diagnosed with melanoma, you are not alone. AIM at Melanoma offers resources for anyone with the disease to find support, ask questions, and connect with a community of people who are living with melanoma.
The information in this video is correct as of 28 February 2023.
For more information about melanoma or to ask Melissa a question, visit: www.aimatmelan...
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[@caroldipaola762]

Clearest explanation I’ve heard so far! Concise and to the point. Excellent!

[@FromTheClinicToTheLivingroom]

Awesome, thank you!

[@nancykistner7167]

I am going in this week to have my melanoma in situ removed from my arm. Very grateful it can be treated so easily. Too much sun as a kid!!!

[@noemiflores7497]

Thank you. I just had one removed from the inner part of my knee and now I am living in fear of going outside 😔

[@FromTheClinicToTheLivingroom]

Oh no! Sun Protection is paramount, but with proper protection and being proactive about checking your skin- you should enjoy the outdoors. We have a lot of information on prevention: www.aimatmelanoma.org/melanoma-101/prevention/

[@ddmontg3402]

I understand.

[@MiZZVMN]

My husband hasn’t let the sun touch his skin since he was diagnosed with melanoma in situ last year. It’s really sad.

[@norraven4751]

I've had 3 surgeries. I will send this video to family members who are asking me questions about my Melanoma in situ. Thanks!

[@FromTheClinicToTheLivingroom]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@franciscorilla9318]

Thank you Melissa...very clear explanation!

[@rmetz2603]

Good video. Very helpful. Thanks

[@FromTheClinicToTheLivingroom]

Glad it was helpful!

[@siddikakurul4062]

Hi, Very easy to understand ,thank you

[@FromTheClinicToTheLivingroom]

Wonderful to hear!

[@sindeekaye2223]

Great information! ❤

[@FromTheClinicToTheLivingroom]

Glad it was helpful!

[@donnaclark431]

Thank you for your explanation

[@FromTheClinicToTheLivingroom]

Glad it was helpful!

[@georgezundell3619]

How effective is topical cream imiquinod in treating melanoma in situ?

[@robynreimers1]

Sounds good, but that has not been my personal experience. In 2012 had a clear margin cut and skin taken from elsewhere, only for the melona in situ to come back in the same spot 5 yrs later. The second deep cut did not work either in 2018. Lesions appear to improve with things that target my immune system, rather than cutting deep holes in my face.

[@lerenaud2492]

Thank you for this. My husband had a spot removed on his forehead at the derm office. They tested it, and it was melanoma stage 0. What I don’t understand is that it took him so long to get into a surgeon that it’ll be 4 months from initial removal in the derm office to surgical removal. Is this typically too long? And does it spread in this short time?

[@caseycarr1373]

I too had a melanoma in situ, but on my face. I waited for about 4 months from diagnosis to surgery. ❤🙏

[@FromTheClinicToTheLivingroom]

Stage 0 melanoma, or melanoma in situ, is highly curable. There is very little risk for recurrence or metastasis. If you have questions, please contact me here:www.aimatmelanoma.org/support-resources/talk-to-a-medical-expert/

[@sharonmitchel1377]

@@FromTheClinicToTheLivingroom is waiting a month or two too long between the in situ biopsy and surgery?

[@jmorgan6218]

So I just had one removed. But they want to go in and get more out because it could have a “root”. Does that mean that it could be at a different stage?

[@FromTheClinicToTheLivingroom]

to discuss your question privately - please contact Melissa directly at www.aimatmelanoma.org/support-resources/talk-to-a-medical-expert/

[@Caleb-xf5yn]

Doesn't sound right. Moh's Surgery cuts around it and then immediately stains it to make sure ALL borders around the tumor are clear of any melanoma cells. The staining process takes about 2 hours. Meanwhile they cover the wound and you wait until word comes letting you know they didn't get it all and need to cut more, or they found no melanoma cells and now all you need is to be stitched up. For them to say it could have root and not know sounds fishy and very unprofessional to me.

[@hortonsstuff6948]

Diagnosis: MALIGNANT MELANOMA, INVASIVE TO A BRESLOW DEPTH OF 0.5 MM. Sections show a malignant proliferation of melanocytes with confluent juntional growth and dermal cytologic atypia.Precursor nevus: intradermal nevus is present this was cut out on 8/16/2022 the derm said I had stage 1

[@donnaclark431]

Is it normal to get many stage 0.? I have had 5 removed and wonder why I keep getting them.

[@FromTheClinicToTheLivingroom]

Donna, it would be easier for you to contact me to discuss. Please reach out to me at our helpline here: www.aimatmelanoma.org/support-resources/talk-to-a-medical-expert/

[@ste3191]

I've the same but just 2 at the moment, a genetic test would be suggested to see if there's a gene mutation. Also, it might be worth re-analyze the skin by another lab/expert to get a second opinion cause stage0 is very border line and pathologist have different opinions when looking at microscope. Good luck :) From Italy