Early detection of melanoma recurrence (cancer coming back) Finishing treatment can be exciting, but also stressful. You may be relieved to finish treatment but worry about cancer growing or coming back. If melanoma returns ( recurrence ), it will most likely be within five years after treatment. The chance of melanoma coming back is higher if the melanoma: l Was thick l Looked like an open sore (bleeding and forming scabs before it was treated)
l Was surrounded by other melanomas l Spread to one or more lymph nodes
Surveillance care plan Surveillance means watching for signs of the melanoma coming back. Surveillance is vital for anyone diagnosed with melanoma.
Follow your dermatologist’s or surgeon’s recommendation for how often you should get a full-body skin exam and other ways to protect your skin. See your doctor each year See your doctor each year for a skin check. This could be your primary care doctor or a dermatologist.
Talk with your doctor about a surveillance care plan that is best for you.
Melanoma Patient and Caregiver Guide | Stages 2–3 26
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