Melanoma (cont.)
Where can patients get more information about melanoma?
National Cancer Institute information resources
You may want more information for yourself, your family, and your doctor. The
following National Cancer Institute (NCI) services are available to help you.
Telephone
Cancer Information Service (CIS)
Provides accurate, up-to-date information on
cancer to patients and their families, health professionals, and the general
public. Information specialists translate the latest scientific information into
understandable language and respond in English, Spanish, or on TTY equipment.
Toll-free: 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237)
TTY (for deaf and hard of hearing callers): 1-800-332-8615
Internet
The NCI's Cancer.gov™ Web site provides information from numerous NCI
sources. It offers current information on cancer prevention, screening,
diagnosis, treatment, genetics, supportive care, and ongoing clinical trials. It
also provides information about NCI's research programs and funding
opportunities, cancer statistics, and the Institute itself. Cancer.gov can be
accessed at http://www.cancer.gov on the Internet.
Cancer.gov also provides live, online assistance through LiveHelp.
Information specialists are available Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to
10:00 PM Eastern Time. LiveHelp is at http://www.cancer.gov on the Internet.
Melanoma At A Glance
- Melanoma is a skin cancer that begins in cells
called melanocytes.
- Melanocytes can grow together to form benign
(not cancerous) moles.
- A change in size, shape, or color of a mole can
be a sign of melanoma.
- Melanoma can be cured if detected early, before
spread (metastasis) to other areas of the body.
- Diagnosis of melanoma is confirmed with a biopsy
of the abnormal skin.
- Treatment of melanoma depends on the extent of
disease, and the patient's age and general health.
- Sun exposure can cause skin damage that can lead
to melanoma.
SOURCE: U.S. National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute
Last Editorial Review: 7/29/2009
Cancer RSS