Beating Melanoma 2/e

Steven Q. Wang, MD, is the director of dermatologic oncology at Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian, where he specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of skin cancer. He has been featured as a skin cancer expert in the New York Times, the Washington Post, and the Wall Street Journal.

Preface Melanoma Experts 1. Introduction: You Have Melanoma. Now What? 2. The Five-Step Plan: Navigating the "Mad Rush" Phase Step 1: Understand the Diagnostic Information in the Pathology Report Step 2: Understand the Severity of Your Melanoma with the AJCC Staging System Step 3: Understand Your Treatment Options Step 4: Understand Survival Rate and Prognosis Step 5: Find the Clinical Experts in Your Area 3. The "Marathon" Phase: Surviving Melanoma Medical Follow-Up Why Do You Need Continual Follow-Up? When Do Melanomas Usually Recur? What Physicians Look for to See If a Melanoma Is Coming Back or Has Spread Elsewhere? What is My Risk of Getting Another Melanoma? What Specialist or Specialists Should You See for Follow Ups? How Frequently Should You Have Follow-Up Exams? What Should You Expect during Follow-Up Visits? What Can I Do to Improve the Appearance of My Scar How Does a Dermatologist Find a New Melanoma? Total Body Skin Exam The ABCDE Rule Ugly Duckling Sign Symptomatic Lesions Dermoscopy Exam Total Body Photography Short-Term Follow Up with Digital Photos Confocal Laser Microscopy Biopsy & Pathology-the Gold Standard How Can You Find a New Melanoma? How to Prevent Melanoma? Why You Should Not Use Tanning Devices? Who Else in My Family Is at Risk for Developing Melanoma? What Is Your Skin and Hair Color? What Is Your Age and Sex? How Much Sun Exposure Have You Had? Do You have a Personal and Family History of Atypical Moles and Melanoma? Do You Have Any Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer? Do You Have Large Moles that Were Present at Birth? Are You Immune Suppressed? Do You Have Any Genetic Disposition? Technical Innovations Artificial Intelligence Genetic Expression Profiling 4. Networking: Finding and Sharing Information 5. Beating Melanoma: The Checklist Appendixes Basal Cell Cancer Squamous Cell Cancer Glossary Index

Beating Melanoma is a beacon of hope and empowerment for those navigating the complexities of melanoma. Dr. Wang, a seasoned dermatologist and compassionate melanoma expert, delivers a comprehensive guide that not only imparts crucial medical insights, but also offers unwavering support to patients and their families. It is an indispensable resource for the journey toward overcoming melanoma.

—David L. Swanson, Mayo Clinic Arizona



Dr. Wangs Beating Melanoma is the ultimate guide that has woven together the collective wisdom of 25 world medical experts across specialties. This book provides a holistic toolkit, offering patients and families a comprehensive approach to tackling melanoma.

—Deborah Sarnoff, The Skin Cancer Foundation



Beating Melanoma is an outstanding guide for those navigating a melanoma diagnosis or aiming to prevent future skin cancers. With its blend of reliable medical information and practical advice provided by a distinguished panel of melanoma experts, this book serves as an invaluable resource for patients and their families.

—Allan C. Halpern, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center