The number of melanoma survivors in the United States continues to steadily increase 2.6% per year, while death rates have remained stable over time. Although controversy exists regarding optimal surveillance strategies, recommendations for clinical monitoring are based on tumor stage, tumor phenotype, likelihood of recurrence, prognosis, risk factors, psychosocial impact of disease, and patient well-being. Management guidelines for recurrent disease depend on the type of recurrence: local, satellite/in-transit, regional, or distant metastasis. This article is a current review of the literature concerning melanoma survivorship.
Keywords: Management of recurrence; Melanoma survivorship; Surveillance and follow-up; Survival prognosis.
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