Ulceration, the absence of an intact epidermis overlying the primary melanoma based upon histopathological examination, is a prognostic factor for melanoma of the skin.

Ulceration is a Registry Data Collection Variable in AJCC. It was previously collected as Melanoma Skin, CS SSF# 2.

0	Ulceration not identified/not present
1	Ulceration present
8	Not applicable: Information not collected for this case (If this item is required by your standard setter, use of code 8 will result in an edit error.)
9	Not documented in medical record Cannot be determined by the pathologist Pathology report does not mention ulceration Ulceration not assessed or unknown if assessed

Each Site-Specific Data Item (SSDI) applies only to selected primary sites, histologies, and years of diagnosis. Depending on applicability and standard-setter requirements, SSDIs may be left blank.