Canada
A 50-year-old female asked:

I had malignant melanoma in 1994. what are the chances of it recurring. should i still get annual skin check-ups.

3 doctor answers4 doctors weighed in
Dr. Robert Hartman
Dermatology 41 years experience
Yes and yes: Yearly exams are to detect a second melanoma. Melanoma can return many years later and we do not use a 5 year disease free interval like in colon cancer. The depth of the initial melanoma correlates with survival.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Dr. Daniel Careaga
Plastic Surgery 20 years experience
Definitely!!: Once you've been diagnosed with a melanoma, you need to be examined regularly for the rest of your life. Any change in a mole should prompt you to see your dermatologist right away in addition to your regular exams.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Dr. Keith Denkler
Plastic Surgery 44 years experience
Skin Checks Are Good: With a previous melanoma, you are at higher risk to getting another one. Plus there is a slight chance your previous melanoma can recur. So see a dermatologist and come up with a plan for prevention. Good luck.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.

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Last updated Aug 11, 2016

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