Pattern of metastases distribution in 173 state I or II melanoma patients

173 patients treated for melanoma (stage I or II) were followed up for 8 to 10 years. The distribution pattern of metastases discovered during the follow-up period was studied. The main localizations in order of decreasing frequency were: regional lymph nodes. local recurrences, skin metastases (including transit metastases), lung, liver, brain, bone, parotid, mediastinum, bowel. mesenterium, stomach, adrenals, larynx and ovary. The data strongly suggest that efficient follow-up of malignant melanoma patients should include regular X-rays, liver, bone and brain scans, and in some cases, laparoscopy.