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 answers • 4 doctors weighed in
Dr. Robert Hartmananswered
Dermatology 40 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.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Daniel Careagaanswered
Plastic Surgery 19 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.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Keith Denkleranswered
Plastic Surgery 43 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.
4.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Aug 11, 2016
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