Melanoma in situ

Melanoma in situ is a form of melanoma which is confined to the epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin. It is the earliest stage of melanoma and is also known as stage 0 melanoma.

Definition

Melanoma in situ is defined as a melanoma that is limited to the basal cell layer of the epidermis. It is a non-invasive form of melanoma, meaning it has not yet spread to other parts of the body.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of melanoma in situ is often made through a skin biopsy, where a small sample of the suspicious area is removed and examined under a microscope. The presence of abnormal melanocytes in the epidermis confirms the diagnosis.

Treatment

The primary treatment for melanoma in situ is surgical removal of the lesion and a small amount of normal skin around it, a procedure known as wide local excision. This is usually curative, as the disease has not yet had the chance to spread.

Prognosis

The prognosis for melanoma in situ is generally excellent, as the disease is completely curable if detected and treated early. However, individuals with a history of melanoma in situ are at increased risk for developing invasive melanoma and should therefore be monitored closely.

See also

• Melanoma
• Skin cancer
• Biopsy
• Wide local excision

Melanoma in situ Resources
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