Melanoma survivorship management

Many important issues are relevant to melanoma survivors after initial melanoma diagnosis and treatment. A diagnosis of melanoma not only affects patients during the time of initial treatment, but also may play a significant role in their life for many years. These issues are broad and apply to many aspects of patients’ lives. This chapter will discuss overall and stage-specific surveillance strategies and methods for risk reduction and prevention that are important to the melanoma survivor population. It is also important for patients and care providers alike to understand and learn to manage sequelae that may accompany various melanoma treatments, from surgery to targeted therapies. Finally, this chapter will discuss issues relating to long-term survivorship such as psychosocial adjustment, reproductive issues, and health care costs.