A personalised plan for surveillance, symptoms, recovery and support after diagnosis.
A written plan, not a universal timetable
After melanoma removal, care continues by reviewing the pathology report, stage and possible need for wider excision, sentinel lymph node biopsy or medical treatment. These procedures are not necessary for everyone. Ask which steps have been completed, which remain and who coordinates decisions: this helps prevent duplicated investigations and unclear transitions.
Follow-up looks for recurrence, new melanomas and treatment effects, while also addressing recovery and quality of life. Dermatologists, oncologists, surgeons and primary care clinicians have complementary roles. Ask for a written schedule stating appointments, the reasons for tests, the centre’s contact details and how to request an earlier review. Keep pathology reports, discharge letters, a medication list and clinical photographs available for future consultations.
Sources: ESMO — Cutaneous melanoma guideline, 2025; NICE NG14 — melanoma, recommendations.
How surveillance changes with risk
In melanoma in situ and low-risk early disease, skin examination and learning to notice changes are central. Blood tests, chest X-rays, abdominal ultrasound and PET do not become useful simply because they are repeated every six months. In particular, NICE does not recommend routine screening investigations for asymptomatic stage IA follow-up.
Stages IB–IIA require a defined schedule of clinical reviews, with lymph node ultrasound when appropriate. Higher-risk stages IIB–IIC and III may justify closer surveillance and imaging selected by the team. During adjuvant treatment, appointments must also cover treatment safety and effectiveness. PET/CT is not an automatic routine test for every patient.
For unresectable or metastatic disease, review frequency depends on treatment and clinical progress. Someone with resected stage IV disease and no detectable cancer may need a different programme from someone receiving treatment for active metastases. Pregnancy, young age and inherited susceptibility require further adaptations. NICE recommendations describe UK practice; Italian teams integrate guidance with local care pathways.
Ending a scheduled oncology follow-up programme does not mean that skin awareness stops. New primary melanomas and occasional late recurrences remain possible. Long-term dermatological surveillance is individualised; lifelong annual CT scans are not prescribed indiscriminately.
Sources: NICE NG14 — melanoma, recommendations; ESMO — Cutaneous melanoma guideline, 2025.
Symptoms, recovery and support
Report new lesions, changes around the scar, persistent lumps or new symptoms that do not settle. During immunotherapy or targeted treatment, significant diarrhoea, breathing difficulty, fever or other warning signs specified by your team require prompt contact. Do not wait for the next scheduled appointment or manage them solely with diet or supplements. Emergencies need urgent care.
Sun protection, activity adapted to your condition, adequate nutrition and stopping smoking support general health. Recovery may include physiotherapy, scar or lymphoedema management and psycho-oncology support. Fear of scans, fatigue and difficulties returning to work deserve discussion; they are not a failure of willpower. Family members can also ask for support.
Before the next appointment, write down three questions: which tests do I need and why, which symptoms should I report immediately, and who can help with practical needs? Related pages explain healthcare exemptions and employment protection in Italy. The historical photograph retained on this page does not document a melanoma case or provide evidence of treatment effectiveness.
Sources: NICE NG14 — melanoma, recommendations.
Editorial review and source consultation: 17 October 2026. Educational information, not individual healthcare or benefits advice. Source checking does not certify a new specialist clinical validation.