Skin Cancer Melanoma Stage III (T1–4, N1–3, M0)
Reviewed by Oncology Team, HealOnco | Last updated: 2026-04
What Melanoma Stage III (T1–4, N1–3, M0) Means
Regional lymph node metastases (N1–3 depending on number and size of involved nodes) with no distant metastases. Can be T0-T4. Critical intermediate stage with high recurrence risk (40–50%).
Treatment Approach for Melanoma Stage III (T1–4, N1–3, M0)
Complete lymph node dissection (CLND) historically standard; trend toward observation with ultrasound surveillance and delayed CLND if recurrence develops (per MSLT-II). Adjuvant systemic therapy: checkpoint inhibitor (pembrolizumab, nivolumab) for 1 year or adjuvant BRAF+MEK if BRAF+ and unresectable/extensive nodal disease. Radiation oncology consultation if nodal disease extensive or inadequately resected. Follow-up: imaging (CT ± MRI brain) every 3–4 months; clinical exams monthly during treatment, then 3–6 monthly.
Survival Rates and Prognosis
The 5-year survival rate for skin cancer at Melanoma Stage III (T1–4, N1–3, M0) is approximately 5-year survival: 50–70% (stage IIIA); 40–50% (stage IIIB); 25–40% (stage IIIC). Survival rates are statistical averages drawn from large patient populations and may not reflect your individual outcome. Factors that influence your specific prognosis include your age, overall health, tumour biology, and how well the cancer responds to treatment.
Important: These numbers are drawn from historical data. Newer treatments available today may improve outcomes beyond what published statistics show. Discuss your individual prognosis with your oncologist.
How Other Stages Compare
| Stage | 5-Year Survival | Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Non-Melanoma: Low-Risk BCC/SCC | 5-year recurrence-free survival: >95% | Mohs micrographic surgery (preferred), wide local excision, curettage and… |
| Non-Melanoma: High-Risk BCC/SCC | 5-year recurrence-free survival: 50–80%; metastatic risk 5–20% for aggressive SCC variants | Mohs micrographic surgery or wide local excision with adequate margins (5–10… |
| Melanoma Stage I (T1–2, N0, M0) | 5-year survival: 85–95% (stage IA); 70–80% (stage IB) | Wide local excision (10–20 mm margins depending on thickness and anatomic… |
| Melanoma Stage II (T3–4, N0, M0) | 5-year survival: 60–75% (stage IIA–IIB); 50–60% (stage IIC) | Wide local excision (10–20 mm margins). SLNB strongly recommended. Adjuvant… |
| Melanoma Stage IV (Any T, Any N, M1) | 5-year survival: 20–40% (with modern immunotherapy/targeted therapy); 5–15% (historical, pre-checkpoint inhibitor era) | Systemic therapy: (1) Checkpoint inhibitor monotherapy (pembrolizumab,… |
| Merkel Cell Carcinoma (Stage I–IV) | 5-year survival: 70–80% (stage I); 50% (stage II–III); 25% (stage IV) | Stage I–II: wide local excision (1–2 cm margins) + SLNB + adjuvant radiation…. |
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