ATLAS: A positive, high-yield review of patient symptoms most significantly associated with melanoma recurrence

Abstract

BackgroundNo standardized, evidence-based surveillance practices exist to guide and optimize recurrence detection in patients with cutaneous melanoma. ObjectiveTo determine the most high-yield positive review of systems for signaling recurrence in patients with cutaneous melanoma. MethodsThis retrospective cohort study assessed patients with a history of cutaneous melanoma and compared demographic and clinical characteristics, including a comprehensive review of systems, amongst those who developed recurrence and those who did not. ResultsA high-yield positive review of systems associated with cutaneous melanoma recurrence can be remembered using the mnemonic ‘ATLAS’: Appetite change, Tiredness, Lymph node enlargement, Abdominal pain, and Shortness of breath LimitationsRetrospective design, limited sample size, and variability in follow up time between recurrent and non-recurrent cohorts. ConclusionAny treating physician using this model may have a greater opportunity to detect recurrent cutaneous melanoma and improve outcomes while limiting cost and morbidity.