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Updated: Jul 3, 2026
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Spatial and Temporal Control of Murine Melanoma Initiation from Mutant Melanocyte Stem Cells
Published on: June 7, 2019
[Follow-up for cutaneous melanoma]
1Klinik für Allgemeinchirurgie, Universitätsspital Basel, CH-4031 Basel. ckettelhack@uhbs.ch
Therapeutische Umschau. Revue Therapeutique
|July 16, 2008
Summary
Surgical management of primary cutaneous melanoma has evolved, focusing on precise excision margins and sentinel lymph node biopsies. Follow-up strategies now align with individual patient risk profiles for better melanoma care.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Surgical Oncology
Context:
- Primary cutaneous melanoma treatment has undergone significant evolution.
- Current surgical practices emphasize precise excision margins (1-2 cm) based on tumor depth.
- Reconstructive procedures are now infrequently required for defect closure.
Purpose:
- To outline the contemporary surgical and follow-up strategies for primary cutaneous melanoma.
- To detail the shift from elective lymph node dissection to sentinel lymph node procedures.
- To describe risk-stratified follow-up protocols, including imaging modalities.
Summary:
- Surgical excision with specific lateral margins is standard, with sentinel lymph node biopsy replacing elective lymph node dissection.
- Follow-up intensity is tailored to patient risk, with clinical exams for early stages.
- Advanced imaging (ultrasound, CT, MRI, PET/CT) is reserved for specific, higher-risk melanoma stages (III/IV) with careful consideration of prognostic value.
Impact:
- Improved patient outcomes through risk-adapted management and less invasive nodal staging.
- Refined surgical techniques minimize morbidity and the need for extensive reconstruction.
- Personalized follow-up schedules optimize resource utilization and patient monitoring for melanoma recurrence.
