Two questions. In measuring the tumor, is the size of the "mole" the same as the size of the tumor?

Question

Also, how long does it normally take for melanoma to go from stage 1 to stage 4?

Answer 1

Melanoma often has more below the surface than is readily visible, so the tumour can be larger than the 'mole'. The area excised is always large enough to allow for clear margins around the tumour.

I don't believe there are any rules on how fast it progresses, as it normally isn't allowed to progress! The only statistics refer to survival rates depending on the stage.

If it is detected at stage 1, it is removed at stage 1, no-one waits around to see how long it takes to get to stage 2 or beyond!

Answer 2

The cancer may have spread to the subcutaneous tissues, that is why the surgeon will cut a wider area so he can be sure he has clean margins