Definition

Stage III is divided into stages IIIA, IIIB, IIIC, and IIID. In stage IIIB, it is not known where the cancer began or the primary tumor can no longer be seen, and one of the following is true: (1) cancer is found in one lymph node by physical exam or imaging tests; or (2) there are microsatellite tumors, satellite tumors, and/or in-transit metastases on or under the skin; OR the tumor is not more than 1 millimeter thick, without ulceration (a break in the skin), or not more than 2 millimeters thick, without ulceration, and one of the following is true: (1) cancer is found in one to three lymph nodes by physical exam or imaging tests; or (2) there are microsatellite tumors, satellite tumors, and/or in-transit metastases on or under the skin; OR the tumor is more than 1 but not more than 2 millimeters thick, with ulceration, or more than 2 but not more than 4 millimeters thick, without ulceration, and one of the following is true: (1) cancer is found in one to three lymph nodes; or (2) there are microsatellite tumors, satellite tumors, and/or in-transit metastases on or under the skin.