Survival rates for melanoma

What is the survival outlook for melanoma?

Historically, malignant melanomas were considered to be a deadly disease.  Now, most melanomas that are found in its early stages can be treated and cured through surgical excision. It is important to get a medical checkup for any suspicious skin moles based on the signs and symptoms of melanoma.

Unfortunately, advanced staged melanoma cancers have a very low prognosis because the cancer cells have metastasized or spread to other parts of the body. Melanoma cancer cells can spread through the body via the lymph or blood vessels.

Survival rate for malignant melanoma by stage

The life expectancy for melanoma patients depends on whether the cancer cells have metastasized, and if so, how wide the cancer has spread. 

• The 10 year survival rate for melanoma patients with regional lymph node metastasis is 30 to 70%.
• The 10 year survival rate for melanoma that has spread up to 2 centimeters from the primary tumor is 30 to 50%.
• Stage 1A: 5-year survival rate: 97%. 10-year survival rate: 95%.
• Stage 1B: 5-year survival rate: 92%. 10-year survival rate: 86%.
• Stage 2A: 5-year survival rate: 81%. 10-year survival rate: 67%.
• Stage 2B: 5-year survival rate: 70%. 10-year survival rate: 57%.
• Stage 2C: 5-year survival rate: 53%. 10-year survival rate: 40%.
• Stage 3A: 5-year survival rate: 78%. 10-year survival rate: 59%.
• Stage 3B: 5-year survival rate: 59%. 10-year survival rate: 43%.
• Stage 3C: 5-year survival rate: 40%. 10-year survival rate: 24%.
• Stage 4 Melanoma: 5-year survival rate: 15 to 20%.

Reference: http://www.cancer.org