Expert: Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D. - 9/18/2009

Question
My dad has lupus and was diagnosed with melanoma on his back two year ago. They removed it and said they got it all and it was not in the lymp nodes. They then found it in one lung and removed 60 percent of the lower left lung. They again thought they had it all. In February he had a disected aorta that disected from the arch to the pelvic bone. Last weekend he started slurring his words. We took him to his Doctor on Monday they did a CT on Tues. and today we were told the melanoma is in his brain and he has no more than two months left.  What they have not told us is what we can expect over the next two months. Will he lose cognitive functions, will he start to lose memory and speaking ability all together, will he still be able to walk and eat and funtion, etc. Also do you know if there is a link between lupus and melanoma? The sun makes him sick but for mine and my childrens benefit I am curious. Also if there is a link how high are the chances of me or my siblings getting it if we dont have lupus?

Answer
There is as far as is known no connection between lupus (erythemadodes disseminatus - systemic lupus) and malignant melanoma. But there is clearly a connection between sunshine (and ultraviolet light in any form including tanning booths) and malignant melanoma. Pale blonds and red heads (especially freckled) are particularly sensitive - so in that respect sensitivity is genetic. But the key here is to AVOID ultraviolet light! The process will be like with any growing tumor in the brain. He will become more and more confused and sleep more and more. There may also be stroke like symptoms (like he already has) and even epileptic fits. When he sleeps all the time his end will be near. He will then drift into a coma and pass away. There will be little pain - if any. I'm sorry I have nothing better to tell you!