Glossary
Deep shave removal A way doctors remove a concerning area of skin, including its deepest part, without cutting all the way through to the underlying fat. This helps doctors measure how thick the concerning area is. Dermatologist (skin doctor) Doctors who diagnose and treat skin disorders. Dermis The second layer of skin under the epidermis. Dietitian An expert on food and nutrition. 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. Genes Tiny parts of our cells that carry our genetic information, which determine our traits, such as eye color and sometimes health conditions. Our genes come from our parents.
ABCDEs Signs to look for during a monthly self skin check. Stands for: Asymmetry, Border,
Color, Diameter and Evolution. Acral or subungual melanoma
Melanoma under fingernails or toenails or on the palms of hands or the bottom of the feet. Adjuvant treatment (or therapy) Used after the first treatment, such as surgery, to lower the chance of cancer coming back or spreading. Biopsy A way that doctors remove cells or tissue to be looked at under a microscope. Breslow thickness A measurement of how deep the melanoma has grown into the skin in millimeters. Clark level A staging system that describes how deep melanoma has grown into the skin. This number is different than the stage of cancer. Clinical trial A research study designed to learn how our bodies respond to medicines or other treatments. CT scan An imaging test that uses X-rays to create detailed images of bones, blood vessels
and soft tissues inside the body. Complete lymph node dissection Surgery to remove all lymph nodes in a specific area of the body.
60 Melanoma Patient and Caregiver Guide | Stages 2–3
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