Glossary
In-situ When abnormal cells that could become cancer are found only in the place where they began, and haven’t spread to nearby tissue. Also called stage 0 cancer. Lymph nodes Small glands in our bodies that filter germs and help fight infection. We have lymph nodes all over our bodies, but they’re mostly in our neck, armpits, and groin (pelvic area). Melanocytes The cells that color our skin. Melanin also gives our eyes and hair their color. Our freckles and moles are dense clusters of melanocytes, which make our skin appear darker. Metastasis The spreading of cancer. When cancer cells spread beyond where they began into distant parts of the body. Also called stage 4 (IV) cancer. Mucosal melanoma Melanoma in mucous membranes, such as the mouth, sinus cavity, genitals, or digestive tract. Ocular or uveal melanoma Melanoma in the eye. Oncologist (cancer doctor) Doctors who diagnose and treat cancer. Pathologist A doctor with special training in finding diseases by looking at biopsy samples under a microscope. In skin cancer, the pathologist might be called a dermatopathologist.
ABCDEs Signs to look for during a monthly skin check. Stands for: Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter, Evolution. Acral or subungual melanoma Melanoma under fingernails or toenails or on the palms of hands or the bottom of the feet. Biopsy A way that doctors remove cells or tissue to be looked at under a microscope. Clark level A staging system that describes how deep melanoma has grown into the skin. This number is different than the stage of cancer. Dermatologist (skin doctor) Doctors who diagnose and treat skin disorders. Dermis The second layer of skin under the epidermis. Epidermis The outer layer of the skin. Excision biopsy A doctor uses a surgical blade to remove an oval-shaped concerning area of skin that removes the entire area as well as a border of normal skin, called a margin, to be looked at under a microscope. Full-body skin exam A dermatologist (skin doctor) does a visual exam of a person’s entire body to look for unusual spots or areas of skin that could be signs of skin cancer.
18 Melanoma Patient and Caregiver Guide | Stages 0–1
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