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Brain Tumors/melanoma brain spread
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Question
My brother is in the last stage melanoma - he has been involved in several trials and in a course of regular treatment for a melanoma that metastasised from his ear. It has now spread to his brain and he has been put on anti-epilepsy medication. He is a near-genius - how will this affect him?
Unfortunately it will kill him. Malignant melanoma is usually not very sensitive to radiation therapy and chemo therapy. Some interesting and promising experiments with immuno therapy are going on BUT they are still experimental. So unfortunately I can not offer much help, especially as surgery in a case like this is hardly an option. He already is at risk for epileptic fits. He may also develop stroke like symptoms. He will become more and more confused, sleep more and more. Drift into a coma and then pass away. Apart from head ache there will be very little pain - if any. I'm sorry I have nothing better to tell you!
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Thank you for your prompt reply - and for answering my question simply and honestly. There is some comfort in knowing that my brother will have little pain and will drift into a coma towards the end. My prayer now is that God will let him go quickly and peacefully and with dignity still intact. | ||
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Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D.
Expertise
I`m a doctor of medicine and specialist in radiation therapy and medical oncology. I have a long time experience of these tumours.
Experience
I'm a Doctor of Medicine and specialist in Medical Oncology and Radiation Therapy, educated and trained in Sweden. Now retired. Background in Radiation Therapy, Medical Oncology, Radiation Protection, Nuclear Medicine, Diagnostic Radiology, Gynecological Oncology, Clinical Pathology, Clinical Cytology,Hematology and Internal Medicine. M.D. from the faculty of medicine, Royal Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden. Have also been an exchange student at the Hebrew University, Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem Israel. Former medical consultant, Swedish National Board of Radiation Protection. Former Police Surgeon and Medical Examiner, Stockholm Police Department. Former Chief Medical Officer, The Royal Guards, The Royal Horse Guards and the Royal Household Brigade, Royal Swedish Army Medical Corps. You can also reach me on: http://www.lifestylerescue.com/expert/health-fitness-advice/dr-claes-gustaf/128 . I have no restrictions on the number of questions there. I also answer questions about Oncology (General Cancer),
General History,
Military History,
Breast Cancer,
Colon Cancer.
Education/Credentials
Doctor of medicine, specialist in medical oncology & radiation therapy.
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