MELANOMA UPDATE - 2ND PRIMARY MELANOMA

BACKGROUND. Second primary melanoma is not a rare phenomenon. It occur s in at least 3 to 6% of melanoma patients and up to a third of indivi duals from melanoma-prone families. OBJECTIVE. To review the clinical and histologic features of multiple primary melanoma. A schema for fol low-up of these patients is presented. CONCLUSIONS. As the incidence o f 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.