What is Breslow thickness?

Breslow thickness is indeed a measurement of the depth of melanoma penetration into the skin, which is a crucial factor in assessing the severity and treatment planning for melanoma. This measurement quantifies how deep the melanoma has invaded from the surface of the skin to the deepest point of tumor cell infiltration.

Understanding Breslow thickness is vital because it directly correlates with the prognosis of patients with melanoma; the greater the thickness, the higher the risk of metastasis and poorer the survival outcomes. Clinically, Breslow thickness helps oncologists determine the appropriate course of treatment and staging of the disease.

In contrast, while tumor size is important, Breslow thickness specifically focuses on the depth of penetration rather than overall size, making it distinct from a simple measurement of tumor size. Additionally, Breslow thickness is not a staging system or an assessment of lymph node involvement, which are determined through other methods such as the TNM staging system.