How common is stage 3 melanoma?

Not all melanoma necessarily progresses to stage 3 melanoma; most of the time it is diagnosed and treated before spreading beyond the original area. It is estimated that almost 1.2 million Americans have some stage of melanoma (there are more than 87,000 new cases diagnosed in a year). Nine percent of these cancers have spread from the initial melanoma to lymph nodes close to the original area, or other sections of skin nearby, but no further; this indicates the stage 3 melanoma. More than 105,000 people are thought to have stage 3 melanoma. Talk to your doctor if you think you have symptoms of melanoma.