Patterns in Progression from Early-stage Melanoma to Late-stage Melanoma: Implications for Survivorship Follow-up

Overview

Journal Melanoma Manag

Date 2025 Jan 27

PMID 39869444

Authors

David J Savage

Benjamin Switzer

Rujul Parikh

Jung Min Song

Carolyn Stanek

Joshua Arbesman

Lucy Boyce Kennedy

Pauline Funchain

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

This study determined the characteristics of patients with early-stage melanoma (IA-IIA) who later had stage IV recurrence. We retrospectively examined 880 melanoma patients and identified those who progressed to stage IV disease from an initial early-stage (n = 50). We observed a median latent period of 4 years between early-stage diagnosis and metastatic disease. More patients (54%) developed metastatic disease 4 years or later from the initial diagnosis. 34% had regular dermatology appointments, and 30% had regular oncology follow-up. Lung and brain were the most common metastatic sites. Long term monitoring beyond 4 years and a low threshold for performing symptom-guided imaging, particularly if pulmonary or neurologic symptoms occur, may be prudent after early-stage melanoma diagnosis.

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