Follow-up examinations for melanoma: new aspects

摘要

abstract_textpThe primary goal of follow-up examinations in cutaneous melanoma is to detect development of second melanomas or tumor recurrences in an early phase of development. Early detection of recurrences has prognostic impact for the patients. More than 80 of all recurrences are primarily detected during follow-up examinations when a structured stage-adapted schedule is applied. In the majority of cases, recurrences are detected by physical examinations. Lymph node ultrasound enables early detection of locoregional recurrences before they become palpable and represents a sensitive examination method. Further imaging techniques in primary tumors are dispensable. In primary melanomas and particularly in those with a tumor thickness of less than 1 mm a reduction of the kind and frequency of technical examinations can be recommended according to recent publications. Hence the costs of followup examinations can be reduced clearly without increased risk for the patients. In stage III patients an intensified schedule including imaging techniques can help in increasing the early detection of recurrences./p/abstract_text