The Official Patient's Sourcebook on Salivary Gland Cancer: A Revised and Updated Directory for the Internet Age »

This is a "must have" reference book for patients, parents, caregivers, and libraries with medical collections. This sourcebook is organized into three parts. Part I explores basic techniques to researching salivary gland cancer (e.g. finding guidelines on diagnosis, treatments, and prognosis), followed by a number of topics, including information on how to get in touch with organizations, associations, or other patient networks dedicated to salivary gland cancer. It also gives you sources of information that can help you find a doctor in your local area specializing in treating salivary gland cancer. Collectively, the material presented in Part I is a complete primer on basic research topics for patients with salivary gland cancer. Part II moves on to advanced research dedicated to salivary gland cancer. Part II is intended for those willing to invest many hours of hard work and study. It is here that we direct you to the latest scientific and applied research on salivary gland cancer. When possible, contact names, links via the Internet, and summaries are provided. In general, every attempt is made to recommend "free-to-use" options. Part III provides appendices of useful background reading for all patients with salivary gland cancer or related disorders. The appendices are dedicated to more pragmatic issues faced by many patients with salivary gland cancer. Accessing materials via medical libraries may be the only option for some readers, so a guide is provided for finding local medical libraries which are open to the public. Part III, therefore, focuses on advice that goes beyond the biological and scientific issues facing patients with salivary gland cancer.

Introduction
Overview
Organization
Scope
Moving Forward
PART I: THE ESSENTIALS
Chapter 1. The Essentials on Salivary Gland Cancer: Guidelines
Overview
What Is Salivary Gland Cancer?
Stages of Cancer of the Salivary Gland
How Is Cancer of the Salivary Gland Treated?
Treatment by Stage
To Learn More
About PDQ
More Guideline Sources
Vocabulary Builder
Chapter 2. Seeking Guidance
Overview
Finding Associations
Cancer Support Groups
The Cancer Information Service
Finding Cancer Resources in Your Community
Finding Doctors Who Specialize in Cancer Care
Selecting Your Doctor
Working with Your Doctor
Finding a Cancer Treatment Facility
Additional Cancer Support Information
Vocabulary Builder
Chapter 3. Clinical Trials and Salivary Gland Cancer
Overview
Recent Trials on Salivary Gland Cancer
Benefits and Risks
Clinical Trials and Insurance Coverage
Clinical Trials and Medicare Coverage
Increasing the Likelihood of Insurance Coverage for Trials
If Your Insurance Claim Is Denied after the Trial Has Begun
Government Initiatives to Expand Insurance Coverage for Trials
Keeping Current on Clinical Trials
General References
Vocabulary Builder
PART II: ADDITIONAL RESOURCES AND ADVANCED MATERIAL
Chapter 4. Studies on Salivary Gland Cancer
Overview
The Combined Health Information Database
Federally Funded Research on Salivary Gland Cancer
E-Journals: PubMed Central
The National Library of Medicine: PubMed
Vocabulary Builder
Chapter 5. Books on Salivary Gland Cancer
Overview
Book Summaries: Federal Agencies
The National Library of Medicine Book Index
Chapters on Salivary Gland Cancer
General Home References
Vocabulary Builder
Chapter 6. Multimedia on Salivary Gland Cancer
Overview
Bibliography: Multimedia on Salivary Gland Cancer
Vocabulary Builder
Chapter 7. Periodicals and News on Salivary Gland Cancer
Overview
News Services and Press Releases
Newsletter Articles
Academic Periodicals Covering Salivary Gland Cancer
Vocabulary Builder
Chapter 8. Physician Guidelines and Databases
Overview
NIH Guidelines
What Is Salivary Gland Cancer?
Cellular Classification
Stage Information
TNM Definitions
AJCC Stage Groupings
Treatment Option Overview
Stage I Salivary Gland Cancer
Stage II Salivary Gland Cancer
Stage III Salivary Gland Cancer
Stage IV Salivary Gland Cancer
Recurrent Salivary Gland Cancer
NIH Databases
Other Commercial Databases
Specialized References
PART III. APPENDICES
Appendix A. Researching Your Medications
Overview
Your Medications: The Basics
Learning More about Your Medications
Commercial Databases
Drug Development and Approval
Understanding the Approval Process for New Cancer Drugs
The Role of the Federal Drug Administration (FDA)
Getting Drugs to Patients Who Need Them
Contraindications and Interactions (Hidden Dangers)
A Final Warning
General References
Appendix B. Researching Nutrition
Overview
Food and Nutrition: General Principles
Finding Studies on Salivary Gland Cancer
Federal Resources on Nutrition
Additional Web Resources
Vocabulary Builder
Appendix C. Finding Medical Libraries
Overview
Preparation
Finding a Local Medical Library
Medical Libraries in the U.S. and Canada
Appendix D. Your Rights and Insurance
Overview
Your Rights as a Patient
Patient Responsibilities
Choosing an Insurance Plan
Medicare and Medicaid
Financial Assistance for Cancer Care
NORD s Medication Assistance Programs
Additional Resources
Vocabulary Builder
ONLINE GLOSSARIES
Online Dictionary Directories
SALIVARY GLAND CANCER GLOSSARY
General Dictionaries and Glossaries
INDEX