Predicting Recurrence in Early Melanoma

Study identifies tumor features beyond staging that predict recurrence risk in early disease

1

Ulceration, tumor thickness, and anatomic site significantly predict recurrence in stage I and II melanoma patients.
2

In a study of 1,092 melanoma patients, 16% experienced recurrence over a median follow-up of 7 years.
3

Recurrence rates increased from 4% in stage IA to 37% in stage IIB and 36% in stage IIC melanoma.
4

Distant recurrence was the most common, occurring in 48% of cases, with significant factors including tumor location.
5

Additional variables like neurotropism and lymphovascular invasion were linked to shorter time to recurrence.