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Brain Tumors/melanoma of the brain

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Expert: - 2/26/2009


Question
My husband had a stage 4 cutaneous melanoma 8 years ago and had 2 months of iv interferon. He had a golf ball size malignant melanoma of the right frontal lobe. They think they got all the roots to that tumor, but that there are deeper roots. they have recommended radiation. I am not sure what stage the tumor is.
What should I expect as possible outcomes from this. As far as we know there are no other spots. He does however have padgetts on his left scapula that they are going to do radiation on. Thanking you in advance for your expertise.  Jeannie

Answer
He is unfortunately a stage 4 malignant melanoma case. Since it has spread to his brain and it is in reality always impossible to "get it all out" surgically and since melanomas usually are not very sensitive to radiation therapy or to chemotherapy I unfortunately have to tell you since you have asked that this most probably will kill him. His expected survival time can most probably at most be measured in months. I'm sorry I have nothing better to tell you!

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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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