Dealing with Recurrence

Removing a melanoma with surgery is not a permanent cure. Certain treatments can reduce the chances of melanoma coming back (this is called recurrent melanoma). Still, once you've had melanoma, there is a chance that it will come back—either near the original tumor or at a different place on the skin.

It is important to have frequent check-ups with your dermatologist.

At each visit, your doctor will probably do a full skin examination. Any suspicious growths will be removed and examined for cancer cells. In some cases, your doctor may also recommend x-rays, blood tests, or scans of the chest, liver, bones, and brain to see if the cancer might have come back in other locations.

Treatment for recurrent melanoma depends on where the cancer has come back, which treatments you've already received, and other factors. There is no cure for recurrent melanoma. Treatment is usually designed to slow the progression of the disease and relieve symptoms. It may include more surgery, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, chemotherapy, or isolated limb perfusion.

Glossary
Cancer
A general term for more than 100 different diseases that involve the uncontrolled increase of abnormal new cells. These cells form tumors that can destroy surrounding tissue and spread throughout the body.
Chemotherapy
The treatment of cancer (or other disease) with chemicals that are toxic to the cancer cells.
Dermatologist
A doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of skin problems.
Immunotherapy
A form of therapy that stimulates the immune system to kill or control cancer cells. Also called biochemical therapy or biotherapy.
Isolated Limb Perfusion
A procedure in which anticancer drugs are injected directly into an arm or leg and the blood to and from that limb is cut off for a short period of time.
Melanoma
A highly malignant type of skin cancer that arises in melanocytes, the cells that produce pigment. Melanoma usually begins in a mole.
Radiation Therapy
The treatment of cancer with high-energy X-rays. Also called radiotherapy.
Recurrence
The reappearance of a cancer after a period of remission.