Followup Care
Melanoma patients have a high risk of developing new melanomas. Some
also are at risk of a recurrence of the original melanoma in nearby skin
or in other parts of the body.
To increase the chance of detecting a new or recurrent melanoma as
early as possible, patients should follow their doctor’s schedule
for regular checkups. It is especially important for patients who have
dysplastic nevi and a family history of melanoma to have frequent
checkups. Patients also should examine their skin monthly (keeping in mind
the “ABCD” guidelines in the
“Signs and Symptoms”
section, and the skin self-exam described in
“How To Do a Skin Self-Exam”).
They should follow their doctor’s advice about how to reduce their
chance of developing another melanoma. General information about reducing
the risk of melanoma is described in the
“Melanoma: Who’s at Risk?” section.
The chance of recurrence is greater for patients whose melanoma was
thick or had spread to nearby tissue than for patients with very thin
melanomas. Followup care for those who have a high risk of recurrence
may include x-rays, blood tests, and scans of the chest, liver, bones,
and brain.
The NCI has prepared a booklet for people who have completed their
treatment to help answer questions about followup care and other concerns.
Facing Forward Series: Life After Cancer Treatment
provides tips for getting the most out of medical visits. It describes the
kinds of help people may need.
A person who has been treated for melanoma may want to
ask the doctor the following questions:
How
often should I have checkups?
What
special precautions should I take to avoid sun exposure?
Are
my family members at risk of melanoma?
Should they schedule an appointment with their doctor for an
examination?
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