MELANOMA STAGING: A NARRATIVE LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Melanoma originates in melanocytes and is more common in white adults, and can appear anywhere on the body. Despite being the most serious type of skin cancer, due to the high possibility of metastasis, it represents only 4% of malignant skin neoplasms in Brazil. Early detection is crucial for a better prognosis and possibility of recovery. Studies emphasize the importance of immediate treatment to prevent metastasis, common in lymph nodes, lungs and brain. Research is also devoted to more effective techniques for suppressing metastasis. Therefore, this narrative literature review brought together articles from the main databases aiming to describe in table form the Breslow and Clark levels, necessary for understanding and defining melanoma staging. It was concluded that it is essential that the Breslow and Clark levels are recognized by the healthcare team, since such classification can lead to a more efficient and less invasive diagnostic investigation, causing less anxiety to the patient and supporting a more appropriate therapeutic choice.