Definition

Stage III is divided into stages IIIA, IIIB, IIIC, and IIID. In stage IIIC, it is not known where the cancer began or the primary tumor can no longer be seen. Cancer is found: (1) in two or three lymph nodes; or (2) in one lymph node and there are microsatellite tumors, satellite tumors, and/or in-transit metastases on or under the skin; or (3) in four or more lymph nodes, or in any number of lymph nodes that are matted together; or (4) in two or more lymph nodes and/or in any number of lymph nodes that are matted together. There are microsatellite tumors, satellite tumors, and/or in-transit metastases on or under the skin; OR the tumor is not more than 2 millimeters thick, with or without ulceration (a break in the skin), or not more than 4 millimeters thick, without ulceration. Cancer is found: (1) in one lymph node and there are microsatellite tumors, satellite tumors, and/or in-transit metastases on or under the skin; or (2) in four or more lymph nodes, or in any number of lymph nodes that are matted together; or (3) in two or more lymph nodes and/or in any number of lymph nodes that are matted together. There are microsatellite tumors, satellite tumors, and/or in-transit metastases on or under the skin; OR the tumor is more than 2 but not more than 4 millimeters thick, with ulceration, or more than 4 millimeters thick, without ulceration. Cancer is found in one or more lymph nodes and/or in any number of lymph nodes that are matted together. There may be microsatellite tumors, satellite tumors, and/or in-transit metastases on or under the skin; OR the tumor is more than 4 millimeters thick, with ulceration. Cancer is found in one or more lymph nodes and/or there are microsatellite tumors, satellite tumors, and/or in-transit metastases on or under the skin.