The risk of melanoma cancer recurrence is a great concern to any patient. And for those who had stage one, the prognosis is good. Dr. Anna Pavlick, a medical oncologist at Weill Cornell Medicine, says for those patients—there’s a 90 percent chance you’re going to be fine after treatment, so extensive screening or radiation is not necessary.
But she adds, “We do know that every once in a while, there is that melanoma cell that might get out of that lymph node and go hide somewhere in the body.” For this reason, you’ll see your dermatologist, oncologist, and surgeon regularly for routine screenings. Additional imaging to monitor for signs of the cancer returning may also be necessary.
If you had more advanced stage melanoma or lymph node involvement, Dr. Pavlick says there’s a 50/50 chance of recurrence. These regular checkups are even more important in this case.
Your care team will develop a follow-up plan based on your individual situation. You may need additional scans, blood tests, and other evaluations to help detect any signs of cancer returning.
You should also take preventative measures to protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun. These include wearing broad spectrum sunscreen of at least 30 SPF, and wearing protective clothing outside—including hats and sunglasses. Avoid exposure to UV radiation from tanning beds.
No matter what stage your melanoma was diagnosed at, it’s important to be vigilant and follow your care team’s instructions. Recurrence is always a possibility, but with close monitoring and early detection, it can often be successfully treated.
Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.
The risk of melanoma cancer recurrence is a great concern to any patient. And for those who had stage one, the prognosis is good. Dr. Anna Pavlick, a medical oncologist at Weill Cornell Medicine, says for those patients—there’s a 90 percent chance you’re going to be fine after treatment, so extensive screening or radiation is not necessary.
But she adds, “We do know that every once in a while, there is that melanoma cell that might get out of that lymph node and go hide somewhere in the body.” For this reason, you’ll see your dermatologist, oncologist, and surgeon regularly for routine screenings. Additional imaging to monitor for signs of the cancer returning may also be necessary.
Read More If you had more
advanced stage melanoma or lymph node involvement, Dr. Pavlick says there’s a 50/50 chance of recurrence. These regular checkups are even more important in this case.
Your care team will develop a follow-up plan based on your individual situation. You may need additional scans, blood tests, and other evaluations to help detect any signs of cancer returning.
You should also take preventative measures to protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun. These include wearing broad spectrum sunscreen of at least 30 SPF, and wearing protective clothing outside—including hats and sunglasses. Avoid exposure to UV radiation from tanning beds.
No matter what stage your melanoma was diagnosed at, it’s important to be vigilant and follow your care team’s instructions. Recurrence is always a possibility, but with close monitoring and early detection, it can often be successfully treated.
Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.
