March Net Guide: Melanoma

//THE ONLINE ONCOLOGIST™

Sentinel Node Biopsy Illustrated in Video

A clear, comprehensive video produced by the Mayo Clinic illustrates the procedure for determining whether cancer has spread to the lymph nodes through biopsy of the sentinel nodes, the first node that filters lymph fluid draining from the melanoma.

Before surgery, a radioactive material is injected into the skin around the site of the original melanoma. The radioactive substance travels through the lymph channels and collects in the sentinel node. Blue dye makes the sentinel node even more apparent.

Once the node is removed, it can be sliced and tested for melanoma cells. The Online Oncologist

//THE EDUCATED PATIENT™

A Place of Comfort and Reassurance

Hosted through the Melanoma Research Foundation, the “Melanoma Patients Information Page” provides support and information to caregivers, patients, family, and friends.

Recent posts on the bulletin board run the gamut from “Just diagnosed … a little scared” to “One more round to go.” Replies offer advice and reassurance. The bulletin board is just one feature on a page chockfull of news, resources, and links to features such as a chat room and a page of memorials. The Educated Patient

//NEWS BRIEF

Rampant Underreporting of Melanoma Is Found

Malignant melanoma may be far more prevalent than current statistics indicate because of pervasive underreporting to cancer registries nationwide, according to results of a small survey reported at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) in February.

Seema P. Kini, MD, a researcher at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, found that 58% of dermatologists who completed the survey did not report new cases to cancer registries, and 50% were not aware they are required by law to do so. Dermatologists with <10 years’ experience were 3.3- fold more likely to be unaware of the reporting rules. The results were drawn from the answers of 104 dermatologists who responded to a survey during the AAD conference last year.

//ONLINE CME

Dermoscopy of Nevi and Melanoma in Childhood

CREDITS: 1

FEE: None

EXPIRES: February 7, 2012

Intended for primary care clinicians, dermatologists, pediatricians, and other health professionals caring for children with melanocytic lesions, this activity focuses on how dermoscopy can help clinicians identify and manage those lesions.

The authors examine the clinical morphology of melanocytic nevi and melanoma in the pediatric population, and describe the relevant dermoscopic findings and histopathologic correlates that aid in diagnosis and management.

Participants will learn to describe the potential advantages and disadvantages of dermoscopy of melanocytic lesions in children; discuss how dermoscopy can help differentiate benign from malignant lesions; address how dermoscopy can facilitate workup and management of the lesions; and describe classification of the lesions. Melanoma CME

//CLINICAL TRIAL

Study of Individuals and Families at High Risk for Melanoma

STUDY TYPE: Observational

AGE/SEX REQUIREMENTS: up to 95 years (none)

SPONSOR: National Cancer Institute

CLINICALTRIALS.GOV IDENTIFIER: NCT00045240

PURPOSE: This study seeks to identify genetic and environmental factors related to melanoma risk in individuals and families in danger of developing melanoma. Among its objectives are evaluating and defining the clinical spectrum and natural history of disease in syndromes predisposing individuals and families to melanoma; mapping, cloning, and determining the function of tumor susceptibility genes in melanoma-prone families; and quantifying risks of melanoma, pancreatic cancer, and other cancers in family members. It will also educate and counsel study participants about their melanoma risk and identify means of prevention. Estimated completion date is December 2012. Clinical Trials