Which of the following statements about Breslow thickness is true?

Breslow thickness is a critical measurement specifically used in the assessment of melanoma. It refers to the depth of the tumor from the top layer of the skin (epidermis) down to the deepest point of invasion into the skin layers (dermis and sometimes subcutis). This measurement is crucial because it directly correlates with the prognosis and potential for metastasis in melanoma patients.

The importance of this measurement in melanoma arises from the fact that deeper tumors (those with greater Breslow thickness) are generally associated with a higher risk of spread to regional lymph nodes and other distant sites, which influences treatment decisions and overall management of the disease. Thus, Breslow thickness serves as an essential component in staging melanoma and determining survival rates.

While Breslow thickness is a well-known indicator specifically tied to melanoma, it does not apply to all tumor types, which reinforces why this characteristic makes the statement true.