Late recurrence (beyond ten years) of cutaneous malignant melanoma. Report of two cases and a review of the literature

H. K. Koh, A. J. Sober and T. B. Fitzpatrick

Two patients experienced a recurrence of cutaneous malignant melanoma more than ten years after initial diagnosis, treatment, and presumed cure. A review of the literature shows that delayed metastases (more than ten years) have been clearly documented in only seven previous patients with cutaneous malignant melanoma. With the rising incidence of cutaneous malignant melanoma, physicians may begin to see more cases of late recurrence in patients with a history of presumably cured disease. Although uncommon, late recurrence has important implications in the long-term management of all patients with malignant melanoma.