stage III melanoma

Stage III melanoma is defined by any of the following: 1) the tumor is more than 4 millimeters (1/4 inch) thick; 2) the tumor has spread to the body tissue below the skin; 3) there are additional tumor growths within 2 centimeters (3/4 inch) of the original tumor (satellite tumors); or 4) the tumor has spread to nearby lymph nodes or there are additional tumor growths (satellite tumors) between the original tumor and the lymph nodes in the area.