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Melanoma

Follow along on our year-long guide to Melanoma, exploring the latest recommendations and research on diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of this disease, which, though rare, accounts for the vast majority of all skin cancer deaths. When found, diagnosed, and treated early, however, this cancer has a very high cure rate. Each month will delve into another aspect of melanoma, including warning signs, symptoms, and risks; treatment options and the continuum of care; the special role of genetic testing; promising therapies in the pipeline; support resources for patients; and unique case studies -- all of which has undergone expert review. Every installment will include a downloadable, printable information resource for patients.

Ƶ MedicalToday

Melanoma: Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment

–Evolving clinical landscape with more therapy options and improved survival
Illustration of the letter i over a hand over melanoma of the skin
Patient Handout
For Your Patients: What Is Melanoma?

Recognizing Melanoma: What It Is, What It Isn't

–Comparing benign, malignant skin growths; adding clinical context to observations
Illustration of a stethoscope with an electrocardiogram over melanoma of the skin
Patient Handout
For Your Patients: Is What You're Seeing Harmless or Is It Melanoma?

Basics of Melanoma Diagnosis

–Biopsy techniques, interpreting the pathology report, recognizing key terms
Illustration of a stethoscope with an electrocardiogram over melanoma of the skin
Patient Handout
For Your Patients: Is It Melanoma or Something Else?

Case Study: The Dangers of Melanoma Recurrence

–Before falling into a coma, this 41-year-old woman had been free of melanoma for 16 years
Illustration of a written case study over melanoma of the skin

Managing Early-Stage Melanoma

–Wide excision, adequate margins, options for adjuvant therapy
Illustration of a layer of epidermis in a circle and a microscope over melanoma of the skin
Patient Handout
For Your Patients: What to Know about Treating Early-Stage Melanoma

Managing Unresectable/Metastatic Melanoma: What to Know

–New options for systemic therapy have improved outcomes for patients with advanced melanoma
Illustration of a close-up of metastatic melanoma and a microscope over melanoma of the skin
Patient Handout
For Your Patients: New Options, Better Outcomes for Advanced Melanoma

Case Study: Did This Melanoma Metastasize or Is It Something Else?

–Cord formation in the axilla offered a clue
Illustration of a written case study over melanoma of the skin

Sorting Through Therapeutic Options for Advanced Melanoma

–More effective therapy, more treatment choices, more considerations for clinical decisions
Illustration of a close-up of metastatic melanoma and a microscope over melanoma of the skin
Patient Handout
For Your Patients: Choosing the Right Therapy for Advanced Melanoma

Recurrent Melanoma: Navigating the Clinical Pathways

–Seeking the optimal strategy for the individual patient
Illustration of a close-up of metastatic melanoma with arrows going around over melanoma of the skin
Patient Handout
For Your Patients: Managing Recurrent Melanoma

Melanoma: Follow-Up Fine Points

–General and stage-specific advice, consideration of side effects
Illustration of a red medical plus icon in a circle over a heart calendar with arrows going around over melanoma of the skin
Patient Handout
For Your Patients: Follow-Up Care for Melanoma

Melanoma: Palliative and End-of-Life Care

–Focus should be on patient needs, wishes, and comfort
Illustration of a caregiver taking care of a patient with an IV in bed in a circle over melanoma of the skin
Patient Handout
For Your Patients: Palliative Care

Melanoma: Survivorship Care

–The end of treatment marks the beginning of a new journey, the transition to survivorship
Illustration of a patient's medical clipboard and a red medical plus icon in a circle over a heart calendar with arrows going
Patient Handout
For Your Patients: Survivorship -- Living With Melanoma