Beating Melanoma

Preface
1. Introduction: You Have Melanoma. Now What?
2. The Five-Step Plan: Navigating the ""Mad Rush"" Phase
Step 1. Get the Information: The Pathology Report
Why You Need a Copy of the Pathology Report
Understanding the Report
Step 2. Assess the Reliability of the Information
Which Specialist Makes the Diagnosis?
Why Does It Matter Which Pathologist?
How to Verify the Accuracy of the Diagnosis
What to Do if You Are Not Satisfied with the Diagnosis
What to Do if the Reports Conflict
Step 3. Find the Clinical Experts in Your Area
Stacy's and Helen's Stories
How to Find Experts Near Your Home
What to Do if You Cannot Find Experts Near Your Home
Step 4. Understand Your Treatment Options and the AJCC Staging System
What Is the AJCC Staging System?
Interpreting the AJCC Staging System
How Does Your Doctor Identify the Stage of Your Disease?
Understand Your Treatment Options
Step 5. Understand Survival Rate and Prognosis
3. The ""Marathon"" Phase: Surviving Melanoma
Medical Follow-Up
Why Do You Need Continual Follow-Up Examinations?
Which Specialist or Specialists Should You See forFollow-Ups?
How Frequently Should You Have Follow-Up Exams?
What Should You Expect during Follow-Up Visits?
Who Is at Risk for Developing Melanoma?
What Is Your Skin Color?
How Much Sun Exposure Have You Had?
What Is Your Personal and Family History?
Do You Have Large Moles that Were Present at Birth?
Preventing Melanoma
Primary Prevention: Avoid Excessive UV Exposure
Secondary Primary: Detecting Melanoma at an Early Stage
Why You Should Not Use Tanning Booths
Medical Developments
Computer-Assisted Diagnostic Devices
MoleSafe
Confocal Laser Microscopy
Genetic Analysis
4. Networking: Finding and Sharing Information
How Can I Get Involved?
Recommended Web Sites
5. Beating Melanoma: The Checklist
Appendixes
A. Basal Cell Cancer
B. Squamous Cell Cancer
C. Melanoma Image Library
Glossary
Index