tumörtjocklek

Tumörtjocklek refers to the thickness of a tumor, a critical measurement in assessing its potential for spread and determining the most appropriate treatment. This metric is particularly important in the context of cutaneous melanomas, where it directly correlates with prognosis. The thicker the melanoma, the higher the risk of metastasis to lymph nodes and distant organs.

The measurement of tumor thickness is typically performed by a pathologist examining a biopsy sample under a microscope. For melanomas, this is known as the Breslow depth, named after Dr. Arthur Breslow. It is measured from the granular layer of the epidermis to the deepest invasive tumor cell. Other types of tumors may have different methods of assessing thickness, depending on their location and tissue of origin.

Tumor thickness is a key factor in staging many cancers. For example, in melanoma, Breslow depth is a primary determinant of stage group, which guides treatment decisions such as the need for sentinel lymph node biopsy and the type of surgical excision required. A thinner tumor generally indicates an earlier stage of cancer with a better prognosis, while a thicker tumor suggests a more advanced disease with a higher risk of recurrence and mortality. Regular monitoring and accurate measurement of tumor thickness are therefore essential components of cancer diagnosis and management.