Prognosis of melanoma depends ona) Stageb) Depth of melanoma of biopsyc) Duration of growthd) Site
Prognosis of melanoma depends most importantly on staging. The most current staging system (of AJCC) takes into account following factors


depth of invasion (Breslow's thickness) - this is the single most important prognostic factor
ulceration - presence of ulceration carries worse prognosis.
lymph node status
satellite lession
distant metastasis

Other prognostic factor (not included in staging)

Site or anatomic location - people with lesion of the extermities have a better prognosis than people with melanomas of the head & neck or trunk. (feet and mucous membrane also have poor prognosis- Harrison)
Gender -females have better prognosis than males
Histologic type - Lentigo maligna has best prosnosis & acral lentiginous worst.
Old age especially > 60 have poorer prognosis.

Also know
The factor that most closely correlates with local recurrence is primary tumor ulceration (Sabiston 18/e p774)
acd
bcd
abd
ab