On-going Melanoma Monitoring

Following a diagnosis with melanoma, a person remains at risk for the development of a new melanoma as well as a recurrence of their previous melanoma (depending on its stage). You will continue to see a dermatologist at least annually for life. Total body skin examination by a dermatologist will be more frequent in the years following the melanoma diagnosis but will continue for life. Additional tests can sometimes also be used for monitoring for a recurrence of melanoma. Laboratory tests and radiology tests can be used. Laboratory tests can include complete blood counts, measurement of electrolytes, kidney function, liver function, and LDH levels. Depending on the stage of melanoma, a variety of radiology tests may be used. In earlier stage melanoma, an annual chest x-ray might be performed. In higher risk melanoma, radiology testing might include CT scans, MRI imaging, or a PET scan. Choice of imaging techniques used are individualized for each patient. The type of imaging and the frequency of that imaging is very different for each person. This choice is based on a person’s risk for recurrence and the site of the melanoma, among other things.

The types of radiologic imaging commonly used in melanoma includes:

• Blood Work: Non-specific indicator that melanoma may be involved in several organ systems.
• Bone scan: Uses radioactive material to find if there is any bone involvement with your melanoma.
• Computed Tomography (CT) scans: Looks for melanoma in other organs of the body such as:  abdomen (bowel and liver), chest (lungs and lymph nodes), neck, and head.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans: Used primarily to determine if the brain has any melanoma involvement.
• Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans: Looks for “metabolically active” areas in the body which may be melanoma.

This information is provided to you as a service from the Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF) in support of its mission.  The MRF is committed to educating patients, caregivers and physicians about the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of melanoma.  For additional information, contact us at education@melanoma.org.

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