Melanoma
 cancer stages or phases are different levels representing 
initialization of cancer cells to their metastasis in different areas of
 body. Each level has different melanoma cancer survival rate and shows 
varied early signs. Diagnosis is the most basic way of identifying stage
 a victim is suffering from. Thus, diagnosis is considered as the 
backbone of treating malignant disorder of melanocytes in a timely and 
effective manner.
What is the Meaning of Melanoma Cancer stages? 
Like
 any other kinds of malignant cancerous growths, cell abnormality in 
skin tissues occurs in a form of systematic progress of infection from 
local to wide areas. Generally, the infection initiates with abnormal 
growth of cells that are non-cancerous in character and do not cause any
 major severe consequences in long-run. Healthy tissues in the region 
can sustain such infection for quite some time and their functioning is 
also not hampered to a noticeable extent. 
Situation
 becomes serious when these non-cancerous polyps start increasing their 
scope to different regions and suddenly display tendency of turning 
cancerous. This consequently hampers cell growth process and prevents 
normal functioning of tissues. It further leads to weakening of inner 
resistance (immune system) of the person and finally creates conditions 
conducive for tumors to develop and spread freely. 
Stages of melanoma cancer are the phases representing conversion of 
non-cancerous tumors to cancerous ones and displays pattern of their 
spread from one organ to other or from one portion to other. The process
 is termed as metastasis and can lead to fatality of the patient in 
long-run. Cancer of melanocytes  is highly treatable in the initial 
stages while chances of safe survival and complete recovery decreases as
 the disease advances to remote areas.  
Prime Melanoma Cancer Stages
Stage
 0 (also called as melanoma in situ) is a condition which displays 
presence of abnormal melanocytes in only the epidermis region. It is a 
pre-cancerous stage and cell abnormality do no0t cause any major impact 
on body. These cells can be removed by surgery. 
Stage
 1 represents tumors that are not more than 1 mm thick and do not show 
ulceration. In rare cases, tumors may be around 2 mm thick. Survival 
rate ranges between 92-97%. 
Stage
 2 displays tumors that are around 2-4 mm thick and may or may not show 
ulceration. In late  phases of this stage, tumor thickness can go beyond
 4 mm. Average life expectancy ranges within 53-81%. 
Stage
 3 is a situation in which the cancer cells start infecting at least one
 lymph node. The infection can even cause matting or joining of lymph 
nodes. Tumor formation takes place within a radius of 2 cm from point of
 origin of cancer. Average chances to survive may be between 40-78%. 
Stage
 4 is the last phase wherein cancer tumors affect most possible areas 
falling in their way.  Some of the main organs likely to get affected 
are gastrointestinal tract, lungs, eyes, liver, and bones. One has just 
15-205 chances to survive if detected for the disorder at this stage. 
Melanoma cancer stages can be best identified if diagnosis is done taking 
general health condition of victim. Mental condition and medical history
 play an important role in undergoing proper and suitable treatments 
once the stage is identified. Going for regular medical tests and 
monitoring changes in body functioning is one of the best preventive 
methods to avoid cancerous growth  or at least curb it in minimum 
possible time period.