Yes, follow-up appointments are important. Even though IG-SRT has likely cured your treated skin cancer, you will need periodic check-ups to monitor the treated area and to screen for any new skin cancers. A typical follow-up schedule might be: one visit around 6-8 weeks after finishing treatment (to ensure the area has healed well and looks clear), and then another at perhaps 6 months or 1 year. After that, if everything is fine, most patients get annual skin exams for life (which is recommended for anyone who’s had a skin cancer). If you had multiple skin cancers or other risk factors, your dermatologist might want to see you every 6 months instead of yearly.
During these follow-ups, the doctor will examine the previously treated site to make sure there’s no sign of recurrence. They will also examine the rest of your skin for any new lesions (because having one skin cancer puts you at somewhat higher risk for others over time). As mentioned earlier, statistically up to half of patients with one skin cancer may get another within 5 years due to underlying sun damage, so regular check-ups are key.
If at any follow-up the doctor sees something suspicious either at the old site or elsewhere, they might do a biopsy to check it. If it’s a recurrence at the same site (which is rare), they would discuss further treatment (likely surgery at that point). If it’s a new lesion, they’ll advise accordingly (IG-SRT could even be used again if appropriate, or surgery, etc., depending on what it is).
It’s also a good time for you to bring up any skin changes you’ve noticed – maybe a new spot that grew, or any concerns about the treated area.
So yes, plan on follow-up visits. Think of IG-SRT not as a “fire and forget” – we cure that cancer, but we continue partnership in maintaining your skin health. Usually, follow-ups are not burdensome – just quick skin checks once or twice a year. These can be done with your dermatologist (in our clinic or your referring dermatologist if you have one).
In short, after completing IG-SRT, you should continue routine dermatologic follow-up as advised. This ensures the long-term success of treatment is confirmed and helps catch any future issues early.
