Follow-Up for Stage I Melanoma
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Type of Follow-up | Description of Follow-up |
|---|---|
|
Skin Examination
Physical |
Years 1, 2: every 6-12 months After 2 years: annually
Years 1, 2: every Years 3,4,5: annually
|
All patients with Stage I melanoma should have a physical examination, including a skin examination, every 6-12 months for the first 2 years, and at least annually for years 3-5. The frequency of physical examinations after 2 years depends on the perceived level of risk for new primary melanomas and for the recurrence of the previous tumor.
All patients with Stage I Melanoma should have a skin examination at least once a year for the rest of their life.
Good News!
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With the right surgery, patients with Stage I melanoma are considered at low risk for local recurrence or for regional and distant metastases. Therefore early detection of melanoma through skin self-examination and medical examination continues to be of utmost importance.
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Large scale studies have shown the following probabilities of disease-free survival. Keep in mind that the statistics shown for survival are averages; everyone's cancer and survival rate is based on many factors and determined on an individual basis.
Survival
| 5 years after treatment (1) | 10 years after treatment (1) |
| Stage IA 97% | Stage IA: 95% |
| Stage IB 92% |
Stage IB: 86%
|
For more information on what to do If Melanoma Recurs click here
Reference:
1. American Cancer Society 2011
Important Links
FAST FACTS
Most physicians will follow their patients every 6 months for the first two years, and then, if they have not had a recurrence, once every year after that.