MELANOMA UPDATE - 2ND PRIMARY MELANOMA

BACKGROUND. Second primary melanoma is not a rare phenomenon. It occurs in at least 3 to 6% of melanoma patients and up to a third of individuals from melanoma-prone families. OBJECTIVE. To review the clinical and histologic features of multiple primary melanoma. A schema for follow-up of these patients is presented. CONCLUSIONS. As the incidence of melanoma continues to rise, we will be faced with an ever increasing number of patients who have survived their tumor. These patients are at risk for subsequent melanomas. This article reviews the literature regarding multiple primary melanoma, and discusses patient management.