The incidence of late recurrence (greater than 10 years); an analysis of 536 consecutive cases of cutaneous melanoma.

The main purpose of this study was, using a computerised database, to try to establish possible prognostic features shown in patients who develop late recurrence, after 10 years, from a melanoma. The records of 536 patients diagnosed and treated for cutaneous melanoma over a 10-year period were examined and 5 patients were found to have developed a late recurrence. These patients were all female and included both pre- and post-menopausal cases at the time of initial diagnosis. In 4 out of the 5 cases the primary lesion had been situated upon an extremity. This study adds to the evidence that prognostic indicators can lead to a possible identification of high risk patients and that the level of patient awareness and education must be maintained throughout the period of follow-up.