Should I worry after having melanoma

I was diagnosed with malignant melanoma in 2007. I had the area excised and lymph nodes were clear. If I follow all precautions where the sun is concerned, should I worry that it will return? I have had 2 basal cells removed since, but also read some info that scared me....such as "the question is not if, but when the melanoma will return..." thanks in advance for your help.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Melanoma as well as basal cell carcinoma can be recurrent. Recurrent melanoma may appear locally (at or near the site of the original tumor) or in another part of the body. If it recurs then it is classified as low risk, intermediary risk and high risk melanomas. High-risk melanoma has a high probability of having already spread to local or distant sites at the time of treatment.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.