Since 1995 - Non Profit Healthcare Advice

How Often Should I Go For Check-Ups?

07/23/2009

Question:

Once diagnosed with skin cancer, how often should you go for check-ups with your doctor?

Answer:

This depends on many things including:

  • Type of skin cancer
  • How advanced the skin cancer was
  • How many other skin cancers you have had in the past
  • If you take medications that interfere with your immune system (people who have had transplants)

For someone who is otherwise healthy and is diagnosed with a basal cell carcinoma or a squamous cell carcinoma generally you would see a dermatologist for a complete exam every 6 months. If after a couple of years you have not developed any new tumors you may be seen every year.

For someone who has melanoma it will depend on how severe the melanoma was. In general, people with melanoma are seen every 3 to 6 months for complete skin exam.

For more information:

Go to the Skin Cancer health topic.