Follow-up recommendations for patients with stage I malignant melanoma

The objective of follow-up examinations of patients who have had Stage I invasive malignant melanoma is the early detection of local recurrences, metastases, and new primary melanomas. Model schedules for follow-up intervals were developed based on a survey of eight physicians. These melanoma experts agree that regular follow-up examinations are indicated and that the time intervals between examination vary according to the thicknesses of the melanomas. The patient follow-up schedule derived is: for melanomas up to 0.75-mm thick, every 6 months for years 1 and 2, and annually for years 3, 4, and 5; for melanomas 0.76-1.50 mm thick, every 3 months for years 1 and 2, semi-annually for years 3, 4, and 5; and for melanomas > 1.50 mm thick, every 3 months for years 1, 2, and 3, and semi-annually for years 4 and 5. After the fifth year, the recommendation is to examine all patients annually for life because of the continued risk for recurrences and new primary melanomas. For those individuals at especially high risk for developing multiple primary melanomas more frequent examinations may be appropriate.