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Brain Tumors/metastatic brain melanoma

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Expert: - 9/6/2008


Question
the metastases has been surgically removed from left frontal lobe.  MRIshows no remaining mass.   radiation has been recommended.  Is there evidence that melanoma is resistant to radiation and is it worth the risk of radiation?  my husband is 72.

Answer
Even if MRI does not show anything there is NO guarantee that no tumor cells remain within the surgical area (MRI does NOT operate on a microscopical level) and bitter previous experience makes it probable that tumor cells do remain there. Experience from previous treatments teaches us that malignant melanomas USUALLY are not very sensitive to radiation therapy or to chemotherapy. Though now and then exceptions appear. There are NO great risks with this kind of radiation therapy and certainly not any more such risk at his age!

Brain Tumors

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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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