What happens after treatment?

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What happens after treatment?

Melanoma patients have an increased risk of developing new melanomas. Some also are at risk for a recurrence of the original melanoma in nearby skin or in other parts of the body.

To increase the chance that a new melanoma will be detected as early as possible, patients should follow their doctor's schedule for regular checkups. It is especially important for patients who have dysplastic nevi and a family history of melanoma to have frequent checkups. Patients should also examine their skin monthly (keeping in mind the "ABCD" guidelines) and follow their doctor's advice about how to reduce their chances of developing another melanoma.

The chance of recurrence is greater for patients whose melanoma was thick or had spread to nearly tissue than for patients with very thin melanomas. Follow-up care for those who have a high risk of recurrence can include x-rays, blood tests, and scans of the liver, bones, and brain.

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