• Those with class 2 tumors have a much higher risk of metastatic disease. They should receive clinical skin and nodal exams every 3 months for 2 years, then every 6-12 months for 5 years. After that, a yearly exam should suffice.
Tests like this are an important advance in managing melanoma, Dr. Greenhaw said. “I think this is where the future of melanoma prognosis is. The keys are found in the genes and DNA of these tumors. These tests are being used in other types of cancer and I think it’s where we need to go in our field as well.”
Dr. Greenhaw has no financial disclosures to report.