Breslow thickness
Last reviewed 04/2022
The Breslow thickness is the best indicator of prognosis in stage I malignant melanoma, that is with no metastases. It is measured in millimetres from the overlying granular layer of the epidermis to the deepest easily identifiable tumour cells with an ocular micrometer.
Three prognostic groups are identifiable:
Prognosis 5 year survival
- less than 1.5 mm good 93%
- 1.5 - 3.49 mm intermediate 67%
- more than 3.5 mm poor 37%
- overall 62%