Curated clinical source

Stage III melanoma

A source-linked guide for stage III melanoma conversations, including surgery, systemic therapy, and trials.

Stage III melanoma usually means melanoma has reached nearby lymph nodes or nearby tissue, but the exact pattern matters. Treatment conversations may involve surgery, systemic therapy, radiation in selected situations, or clinical trials.

What to clarify

• Which lymph nodes or nearby tissues are involved?
• Is the disease considered resectable?
• Has BRAF/NRAS/KIT/NF1/NTRK testing been done?
• Is systemic therapy being discussed before surgery, after surgery, or instead of surgery?

Questions to ask

• What is the sequence: surgery first, systemic therapy first, or trial discussion first?
• What result would tell us the current plan is working?
• Should we consult a melanoma specialty center?
• Are there trials specifically for stage III melanoma or mutation-defined melanoma?