You are here:
- Home
- Health/Fitness
- Cancer
- Brain Tumors
- Can Metastatic Melanoma be the cause of my mothers brain and possible lung cancer
Brain Tumors/Can Metastatic Melanoma be the cause of my mothers brain and possible lung cancer
Advertisement
Question
18 years ago, at the age of 65, my mother had a Sublingual melanoma in her thumb. It was staged at 4. They removed her thumb, and she has been cancer free until this past Christmas when she presented with what appeared to be a stroke. The tumor is in the Cerebellum, and they will be doing a a biopsy to identify the type.
They also found what they thought was fluid in her lungs, but now her oncologist feels that it may also be a tumor as well. Is it possible for a melanoma to remain dormant for so many years? My mother is almost 84. I'm concerned about her and am wondering what potential therapy's there are. Or, given her diagnosis, do we focus on her quality of life.
Thank you so much.
Unfortunately yes that is possible. Malignant melanomas (and breast cancers) have been described to return more than 30 years after they were first diagnosed and treated. Most other cancers - but not all - can be regarded as cured if they have not returned after 5 years. It is also possible that her lung problem is related to this. However we have to wait until we have the biopsy result before we can be sure of anything. Unfortunately, if it has returned like this her prognosis is very bad regardless of treatment. I'm sorry I have nothing better to tell you! Please do keep me posted!
You can also reach me at: http://www.liveperson.com/professional/expert-profile.aspx?gsBMQvSJ0S4K1haAm6AtH
There is no limit to the number of questions there. Please note: NEW SITE!
- View Follow-Ups
- Add to this Answer
- Ask a Question
| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Thank you for your response Dr Nordquist. Its very much appreciated. My father was in family medicine for more than 40 years. He's 84 now. I've read many of his books just for interest. With this situation, I've been reading up on tumors and metastase's (sp?)and also agree that the potential outcome is not good. I appreciate your candor. | ||
Related Articles
- Definition Lung Cancer - What is the Definition of Lung Cancer
- Metastatic Lung Cancer - Metastatic Cancer to the Lungs
- Causes of Lung Nodules – Possible Causes of Lung Nodules
- Christie Brinkley Speaks Out for Breast Cancer Awareness
- Lung Cancer Shoulder Pain – Shoulder Pain as a Symptom of Lung Cancer
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.
©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.