Why does melanoma recur

In addition, compared with the early-recurrence group, patients with a late recurrence tended to have had an original melanoma with characteristics indicating a more favorable disease outcome. Specifically, their original tumor was more likely to have been thin and nonulcerated meaning that the skin over the melanoma had not broken down , not have spread to the lymph nodes, and occurred at a site other than the head and neck.

Although the investigators found that late-recurring melanomas were more likely to develop in a site on the body distant from the original site, this group of patients had a better post-recurrence survival rate. Compared with patients whose cancer returned within three years, patients with a late recurrence were about 40 percent less likely to die of melanoma than were patients with an early recurrence, Dr.

Overall survival also was better in the late-recurrence group according to the researchers. Even when symptoms are absent, Dr. Faries recommended that patients get an annual clinical examination with their melanoma physician or primary care physician. He also orders a yearly chest X ray and laboratory tests for his melanoma patients. Miriam and Sheldon G. American Cancer Society. Available at: www. If these exams are normal, the time between your doctor visits may be extended.

Your doctor may recommend more frequent exams if you have many moles or atypical moles. For thicker melanomas or those that had spread beyond the skin , a typical schedule might include physical exams every 3 to 6 months for several years. After that, exams might be done less often. Imaging tests such as ultrasounds or CT scans might be done as well, especially for people who had more advanced stage disease.

Most doctors recommend this at least monthly. You should see your doctor if you find any new lump or change in your skin.

Melanoma can sometimes come back many years after it was first treated. Talk with your doctor about developing a survivorship care plan for you. This plan might include:. Tests and doctor visits cost a lot, and even though no one wants to think of their cancer coming back, this could happen. If you have or have had melanoma, you probably want to know if there are things you can do that might lower your risk of the cancer coming back, or of getting a new skin cancer. At this time, not enough is known about melanoma to say for sure if there are things you can do that will be helpful.

We do know that people who have had melanoma are at higher risk for developing another melanoma or other type of skin cancer. Then, every four to six months for the next year. After that, every six months up to five years. If you have had melanoma, you may wonder if it may return. Find out how often to follow up with your doctor and other ways you can protect yourself. Learn more about vaccine availability. Advertising Policy. You have successfully subscribed to our newsletter.

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