Most patients with a thin melanoma are discharged from specialist follow-up after a few years, and that is appropriate. What matters is that they leave knowing what to watch for and how to come back quickly.
The discharge conversation is short and should be documented.
- Teach monthly self-examination of the whole skin and the scar, using a mirror or a partner.
- Show them how to check the lymph nodes draining the primary site.
- Ask them to report a new or changing mole, a lump near the scar or in the nodes, persistent headache, or unexplained weight loss.
- Advise sun protection and an annual skin check, as their risk of a second primary is raised.
- Give a direct route back to the clinic rather than a fresh referral.
Why it matters
Late relapse is often found by the patient, so what they were told at discharge decides how early it is caught.
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