Question:
What is the distinction of the "invasive" part of this diagnosis? I mean is there such a thing as a non-invasive malignant melanoma?
Answer:
Malignant melanoma can be localized to the epidermis (where it
originates) and is then called malignant melanoma in-situ or
non-invasive. With proper excision these should be 100% curable. When
melanoma invades the underlying dermis and deeper it is called invasive.
In general, the prognosis is dependent on the depth of invasion as well
as other factors.
Hope this helps,
