Follow up
After the excision of a malignant melanoma follow up in form of regular medical check-ups in the clinic or doctors surgery is usually recommended.
Singular ‘sleeping’ tumour cells can remain in the body and can even after longer periods of time start to grow again and cause metastasis of the tumour in the skin, the lymph nodes or in other distanced organs. The most important aim of the follow up is early detection of this. A possible early therapy of metastasis can increase the chances for a cure.
Function of follow up
1. Early detection of metastasis or of a new melanoma
2. Instruction for the self assessment and therefore improvement of early detection
3. Collection of the progress of the illness for scientific analysis and possibility for an adjustment of therapy and after-care
4. Implementation of accompanying therapies
5. Support of the patients and the opportunity to advise early about alternatives and options for example self-help groups or accompanying psychotherapeutic treatment
Depending on the tumour thickness and the stage of the melanoma follow up is recommended for 5-10 years, every 3-6 months.