In a nutshell
The present article evaluated the time interval and site of relapse (return of the cancer) as well as survival rates in stage III melanoma patients who were considered cured after treatment.
Some background
Stage III melanoma is skin cancer that has spread to the nearby lymph nodes. Further classification (III A, III B and III C) is based on how many lymph nodes are positive for cancer and the thickness of the primary skin tumor. Treatment for stage III usually includes surgery to remove the melanoma and positive lymph nodes as well as postoperative (or "adjuvant") therapy with melanoma vaccines, interferon or radiation. Patients with no evidence of cancer after treatment still have a high risk for relapse. Therefore, careful follow up including regular doctor visits, imaging test (chest x-rays, CT scans) and blood tests are very important. Current guidelines recommend physical examinations every 3 to 6 months for the first 3 years and then every 4 to 12 months.
Methods & findings
The bottom line
In summary, almost half of all melanoma relapses were detected by the patients themselves and most relapses were systemic. The study found better survival rates in younger patients who had no symptoms, who had local or nodal relapse (not systemic) and whose cancer was resectable (could be removed by surgery).
The fine print
What’s next?
Apart from the regular physical examination done by your doctor, you should self-examine yourself at least monthly. You should see your doctor if you find any new lump or change on your skin. You should also report any new symptoms (pain, cough, fatigue, loss of appetite) that do not go away.
Published By :
Journal of clinical oncology
Date :
Jun 20, 2010
