Recurrence Cancer coming back. Resectable Able to be removed by surgery. Satellite tumors Tumors that have spread to nearby areas of skin. Self skin check Checking your own skin for concerning or changing areas of skin, usually once a month. Sentinel lymph node The first lymph node or nodes that cancer is most likely to spread to from the primary tumor. Sentinel lymph node biopsy Biopsy (removal of cells or tissue) of the lymph node the cancer is most likely to
Ocular or uveal melanoma Melanoma in the eye. Oncologist (cancer doctor) Doctors who diagnose and treat cancer. Osteoporosis A bone disease that can lead to more weak and broken bones. 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. PET-CT scan An imaging test that combines a CT scan (which uses X-rays) and a PET scan (which uses a radioactive substance called a tracer) to create 3D images of the inside of the body to help doctors more accurately diagnose conditions. Primary tumor location The original part of the body where cancer first develops. Prognosis The likely course and outcome of a disease, such as the chances of recovery. Punch biopsy A doctor presses a round blade into the skin to remove an entire mole or area, to be looked at under a microscope. Radiation Treatment that uses radiation (usually high-powered X-rays) to kill cancer cells.
spread to first. Shave biopsy
Doctors use a surgical blade to remove a sample from the top layer of skin to be looked at under a microscope. Staging A way doctors describe cancer and where it is in the body. Standard treatment Treatment that is accepted by experts as a proper treatment for a certain type of disease and that is widely used by doctors. Surveillance Watching for signs of melanoma coming back.
62 Melanoma Patient and Caregiver Guide | Stages 2–3
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator