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Brain Tumors/mestasized brian melanoma

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Expert: - 10/12/2007


Question
My husband was diagnosed in May with melanoma, it has spread from the skin to lymph nodes and most recently to his brain. He was paralyzed on his right side for a short period because the largest tumor in his brain had started bleeding and was pressing on his motor skills area. We were told that he has at least 20 more small tumors in his brain.
My question is, what would be the best form of treatment now if there is such a thing?
Thank you,
Mona Trett

Answer
Unfortunately there is not much I can offer. Malignant melanoma is usually not very sensitive to radiation therapy or chemo therapy. Interferone can be tried but I do not expect any dramatic effects. There are some promising and interesting experiments (with patients) going on at the U.S. National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland. But how to get your husband in to that program I do not know (I'm a Swede living in Sweden). That is unfortunately all I can tell you!

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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