the medial side it`s indistinct, just fades into the surrounding skin.C for coloration. Here,

on this side, see how it`s light brown. If I magnify it, I see a tad of red, some black,

maybe even some gray.D for diameter; as I say, perhaps seven–eighths of a centimeter.

That`s good–sized, but we can`t be sure how old it is, I mean how fast it`s growing. Herb

Katz says it wasn`t there at last year`s physical. Lastly, under magnification, there is no

doubt that the center is ulcerated.»

Putting down the mirror, he said, «Put your shirt back on, Julius.» After his patient

finished buttoning up, King sat down on the small stool in the examining room and

began, «Now, Julius, you know the literature on this. The concerns are obvious.»

«Look, Bob,” replied Julius, «I know our previous relationship makes this hard for

you, but please don`t ask me to do your work. Don`t assume I know anything about this.

Keep in mind that right now my state of mind is terror veering toward panic. I want you

to take charge, to be entirely honest with me, and take care of me. Just as I did for you.

And, Bob, look at me! When you avoid my gaze like that, it scares the shit out of me.»

«Right. Sorry.» He looked him straight in the eyes. «You took damn good care of

me. I`ll do the same for you.» He cleared his throat, «Okay, my strong clinical impression

is that it`s a melanoma.»

Noting Julius`s wince, he added, «Even so, the diagnosis itself tells you little.

Most—remember that—mostmelanomas are easily treated, though some are bitches. We

need to know some things from the pathologist: Is it melanoma for certain? If so, how

deep is it? Has it spread? So, first step is biopsy and getting a specimen to the pathologist.

«Soon as we finish I`ll call a general surgeon to excise the lesion. I`ll be by his side

throughout. Next, an examination of a frozen section by the pathologist, and ifit`s