MRF-Logo2019-Horizontal-RGB
How often to have checkups after melanoma history
REGISTER
The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Content within the patient forum is user-generated and has not been reviewed by medical professionals. Other sections of the Melanoma Research Foundation website include information that has been reviewed by medical professionals as appropriate. All medical decisions should be made in consultation with your doctor or other qualified medical professional.

How often to have checkups after melanoma history

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › How often to have checkups after melanoma history

  • Post
    • January 24, 2016 at 10:05 am
    grahamtosh
    Participant

      Hi 

      my Dermo successfully removed 2 melanomas last year . I have not had any diagnosed before . She says I only need to see her once a year for check ups / mole mapping . 

      As melanoma is life threatening I am concerned that is not enough ? My back has hundreds of moles.

      Also , she doesn't take photos of my back so she is not able to compare mole changes over time , surely that needs to be done ?

      Thanks 

       

    Viewing 5 reply threads
    • Replies
        • January 24, 2016 at 12:36 pm
        stars
        Participant

          Frequency of follow up depends on what stage melanoma they were. I have had a few melanoma, deepest is stage 1, so my follow up is six monthly. I think a year is too far apart, go for 4-6 months (depending on insurance limitations and/or how keen you are on going to a doc). Not many docs take photos, they all recommend it but they don't do it. Mine said to do it just using your mobile phone or whatever, all you are looking for is new or change. I think there are professional servies that do the photography but they are few and far between where I live.

          • January 24, 2016 at 12:36 pm
          stars
          Participant

            Frequency of follow up depends on what stage melanoma they were. I have had a few melanoma, deepest is stage 1, so my follow up is six monthly. I think a year is too far apart, go for 4-6 months (depending on insurance limitations and/or how keen you are on going to a doc). Not many docs take photos, they all recommend it but they don't do it. Mine said to do it just using your mobile phone or whatever, all you are looking for is new or change. I think there are professional servies that do the photography but they are few and far between where I live.

            • January 24, 2016 at 12:36 pm
            stars
            Participant

              Frequency of follow up depends on what stage melanoma they were. I have had a few melanoma, deepest is stage 1, so my follow up is six monthly. I think a year is too far apart, go for 4-6 months (depending on insurance limitations and/or how keen you are on going to a doc). Not many docs take photos, they all recommend it but they don't do it. Mine said to do it just using your mobile phone or whatever, all you are looking for is new or change. I think there are professional servies that do the photography but they are few and far between where I live.

              • January 26, 2016 at 3:54 am
              ldub
              Participant

                Every six months for two years for my MIS. I see dermatologists at an academic Melanoma Center.  They advise that risk of recurrence, even for MIS, is higher in the first two years and then settles in at about 3-6% lifetime risk, barring any additional developments.  Also self checks which include palpation of lymph nodes monthly.

                • January 26, 2016 at 3:54 am
                ldub
                Participant

                  Every six months for two years for my MIS. I see dermatologists at an academic Melanoma Center.  They advise that risk of recurrence, even for MIS, is higher in the first two years and then settles in at about 3-6% lifetime risk, barring any additional developments.  Also self checks which include palpation of lymph nodes monthly.

                  • January 26, 2016 at 3:54 am
                  ldub
                  Participant

                    Every six months for two years for my MIS. I see dermatologists at an academic Melanoma Center.  They advise that risk of recurrence, even for MIS, is higher in the first two years and then settles in at about 3-6% lifetime risk, barring any additional developments.  Also self checks which include palpation of lymph nodes monthly.

                Viewing 5 reply threads

                Tagged: 

                • You must be logged in to reply to this topic.
                About the MRF Patient Forum

                The MRF Patient Forum is the oldest and largest online community of people affected by melanoma. It is designed to provide peer support and information to caregivers, patients, family and friends. There is no better place to discuss different parts of your journey with this cancer and find the friends and support resources to make that journey more bearable.

                The information on the forum is open and accessible to everyone. To add a new topic or to post a reply, you must be a registered user. Please note that you will be able to post both topics and replies anonymously even though you are logged in. All posts must abide by MRF posting policies.

                Popular Topics