All patients with Stage II melanoma should have a physical examination, including a skin examination, every 3 months for the first year, every 4 months for the second year, and at least every 6 months for years 3-5. The frequency of physical examinations after 5 years depends on the perceived level of risk for new primary melanomas and for the recurrence of the previous tumor.

All patients with Stage II melanoma should have a skin examination at least once a year for the rest of their life.

As part of their examinations, patients with Stage IIB or IIC melanoma should also be tested for LDH (serum lactate dehydrogenase).

With treatment, Stage II melanoma is considered intermediate to high-risk for local recurrence or distant metastasis. Therefore, early detection of melanoma through skin self-examination and medical examination continues to be of the utmost importance.

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

For more information on what to do If Melanoma Recurs click here

Reference
1.  American Cancer Society 2011