Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Melanoma secondary prevention
Introduction
Overview
Overview
The choice of work-up for secondary prevention of melanoma is based on the stage of melanoma at diagnosis. Secondary prevention includes monthly self-exams, routine dermatologic evaluations, and chest and brain imaging.
Secondary Prevention
Secondary Prevention
Measures for secondary prevention for melanoma depends on the stage of melanoma at diagnosis. To view the stages of melanoma, click here.
- The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) recommends the following:[1]
Stage 0 at Diagnosis
- Annual dermatologic evaluation for life
- Patient education regarding monthly self-skin exams
Stage IA at Diagnosis
- Dermatologic evaluation every 3-12 months for the first 5 years following diagnosis then annually thereafter
- Patient education regarding monthly self-skin exams
- Patient education regarding self-lymph node exam
Stage IB-IIA at Diagnosis
- Dermatologic evaluation every 3-6 months for the first 2 years the every 3-12 months for 3 years, then annually thereafter
- Patient education regarding monthly self-skin exams
- Patient education regarding self-lymph node exam
- Chest x-ray and measurement of CBC and LDH every 6-12 months may be considered (optional)
Stage IIB-IV at Diagnosis
- Imaging screening by annual brain MRI AND either chest X-ray, positron emission tomography (PET), or CT scan (preferred) every 3-12 months for the first 5 years.
- Dermatologic evaluation every 3-6 months for the first 2 years the every 3-12 months for 3 years, then annually thereafter
- Measurement of CBC and LDH every 6-12 months may be considered (optional)
- Patient education regarding monthly self-skin exams
- Patient education regarding self-lymph node exam
References
References
- ↑ Coit DG, Andtbacka R, Anker CJ, Bichakjian CK, Carson WE, Daud A; et al. (2013). “Melanoma, version 2.2013: featured updates to the NCCN guidelines”. J Natl Compr Canc Netw. 11 (4): 395–407. PMID 23584343.
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Yazan Daaboul, M.D.; Serge Korjian M.D.