Textbook of Melanoma [Hardcover]

John F. Thompson (Editor), Donald L. Morton (Editor), Bin B.R. Kroon (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 26, 2003

Melanoma is explored fully in the medical literature, but this text will become the standard reference on the disease. It distinguishes itself by its scholarship, its comprehensive treatment of all aspects of the disease, its accessibility and especially its focus. Textbook of Melanoma presents the latest information on the causes, diagnosis and treatment of this increasingly common type of cancer. The expert authors profile everything from prevention strategies to gene therapy. Fully illustrated throughout with color photographs and commissioned graphics, this volume provides an important reference work for clinical oncologists, dermatologists and surgeons with an interest in skin cancer.

Editorial Reviews

From The New England Journal of Medicine

Malignant melanoma is an increasingly important public health problem. Despite the fact that the cause of most melanomas -- excessive exposure to ultraviolet light -- is known, the incidence of this tumor is rising faster than the incidence of any other cancer in the United States. At current rates, there will be more than 90,000 cases of melanoma this year, and the lifetime risk of this disease in a person living in the continental United States is now 1 in 37. Even more important is that one person dies of this cancer every hour in this country. In addition, the range of possible presentations has broadened, and melanomas are being seen not only by oncologists, but also by other specialists and by generalists. For all of these reasons, there is a need for an up-to-date, wide-ranging reference book on melanoma. Thompson, Morton, and Kroon have met this need by assembling a broad-based, world-renowned group of authors who comprehensively cover the spectrum of issues related to melanoma in this excellent textbook. The text is presented in a format that is easily readable. There are multiple tables and graphs that present data in a manner that facilitates understanding. Several features make this book stand apart from others in this area. Information is presented in 14 logically divided sections. The book begins with a chapter on the history of melanoma that puts the subject in unique perspective. Beyond the discussion of traditional therapies, an extensive review of experimental approaches to treatment is provided. The chapter on management guidelines is particularly helpful. The chapters on site-specific melanoma serve as a useful reference. No textbook is perfect, and this one also has some deficiencies. There are not as many clinical photographs as might be desired, and the colors in some of the images are off. Some chapters are very short, and a number of the references are out of date. A flow chart on the diagnosis and management of melanoma would have been helpful to tie together the concepts presented and thereby facilitate patient care. The international perspective of the book is generally positive, but some of the topics (e.g., prevention) leave out a U.S. viewpoint. Finally, it would be helpful if the book were accompanied by a compact disk of the images, which could be used for teaching. Notwithstanding these limitations, I rate this book as outstanding. As an "expert" in melanoma, I have been able to learn new facts and clinical information from this book that will improve my care of patients. Readers with less knowledge who need to learn more about melanoma to enhance the care of their patients with the disease will also benefit from this book. For all of these reasons, I recommend the Textbook of Melanoma to those with an interest in this cancer. Darrell S. Rigel, M.D.
Copyright © 2004 Massachusetts Medical Society. All rights reserved. The New England Journal of Medicine is a registered trademark of the MMS.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 704 pages
• Publisher: Informa Healthcare; 1 edition (September 26, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1901865657
• ISBN-13: 978-1901865653
• Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 8.6 x 1.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.2 pounds
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,564,290 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)