[Malignant melanoma: which examinations are useful in staging and follow-up?]

Data on 378 patients with histologically proven malignant melanoma were analysed. Metastases were demonstrated within a few months to maximally 11 years postoperatively in 41 patients by clinical or biochemical examinations, computed tomography, ultrasound or radiology. At the time of the first postoperative staging examination metastases were found by clinical examination in five, by computed tomography in a further two patients. Later follow-up examinations discovered metastases by clinical examination in 32 patients, by chest X-ray in two. It is concluded that postoperative staging does not require elaborate routinely performed tests. Specific studies, admittedly undertaken only after the occurrence of symptoms, should be aimed at determining metastases and their extent so that indications for operation can be established if isolated organ metastases have been demonstrated.