Your follow-up care depends on the stage of the melanoma. Follow-up appointments allow your doctor to monitor for possible recurrence of the melanoma. If you have a higher than average risk of developing another melanoma (for example because there is a history of melanoma in your family or because you have many moles), you may be offered extra check‑ups.
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Stage |
Follow-up 57 |
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Stage 0 |
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Stage 1A
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Stage 1B, 2 or 3
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Stage 4 |
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If the melanoma has been removed (stage 1, 2 or 3), you will see your skin cancer specialist again for follow-up appointments. During these appointments, your doctor or specialist nurse will ask about your general health and examine you to check whether:55
- there are any signs of the melanoma coming back
- the melanoma has spread to your lymph nodes or other areas of your body
- there are signs of any new primary melanomas
Depending on where your melanoma was removed, they will also check the nearby lymph nodes. If your melanoma was in the:51
- Leg: the lymph nodes behind your knees and in your groin will be checked
- Chest, back or abdomen: the lymph nodes in your groin, armpits, above the collar bones and in the neck will be checked
- Arm: the lymph nodes around the elbow, above your collar bones and in the lower neck will be checked
- Head or neck area: the lymph nodes in the side of your neck, under the chin, above the collar bones, behind your ears and at the back of your neck will be checked
At each appointment, your specialist nurse or doctor should remind you:57
- how to check your skin for melanoma
- how to avoid risk factors for poor health, such as skin damage from the sun and smoking
- how to make sure you get enough vitamin D without risking sun damage
How often and for how long you’ll have follow-up appointments will depend on the stage of your melanoma. Your specialist will discuss this with you.
