After spending the last twenty years struggling with my skin, I decided that it was time to make some powerful changes. For starters, I went in and met with a dermatologist, who was very upfront with me about the nature of my skin. It was really interesting to talk with him about my treatment options, and before I knew it, I was getting treatments to help the problem. Within a few months, my skin looked brand new, and I knew it was all because of the help of my doctor. I wanted to spread the word about the power of dermatology, so check out my blog!
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Radiation is a common treatment approach for cancer, but it is rarely used in melanoma. There are certain situations that may benefit from radiation alone, or in combination with other treatments.
Before And After Surgery
When melanoma creates tumors, these tumors might become large and invasive, making their removal difficult or even dangerous, especially if the tumor encroaches on major blood vessels. In cases where the tumor cannot be removed with acceptable risks, radiation might be used to help shrink the tumor before surgery is attempted. When radiation is used to prepare for surgery, it may be used in conjunction with ongoing treatments, such as chemotherapy. Radiation might also be used after a tumor is removed, especially if the tumor was not removed completely. Targeted treatment with radiation can help destroy residual cells when it is impossible to know of surgery created clear margins.
Metastatic Cancer
Melanoma that spreads to distant regions of the body is considered metastatic. Unfortunately, it is common for melanoma to spread to the brain in the late stages. Some types of radiation can be used specifically to manage secondary brain tumors. Generally, chemotherapy is unhelpful for tumors that metastasize to the brain because the blood-brain barrier can prevent the medication from reaching the brain. Additional, treating brain tumors can carry significant risks of damage. Radiation is a more precise way of attempting to shrink or destroy melanoma once it reaches the brain. Similarly, if there is any indication melanoma has spread to the lymph nodes, radiation might be helpful if cancer has metastasized to regional lymph nodes. Radiation can be used to target a small cluster of lymph nodes and minimize damage to surrounding tissues.
Palliative Treatment
Radiation can be used in a palliative manner to help reduce symptoms associated with melanoma tumors. Once the cancer has spread, it can create tumors that are large and encroach on different areas of the body. This may lead to significant pain or problems with the digestive system. Although this type of treatment is done with the knowledge that it will not eliminate the tumor, it may provide comfort and prolong life in people who have no remaining options or they needed to stop treatments, such as chemotherapy, because they were more harmful than helpful.
Although radiation is an uncommon treatment for melanoma, there are several instances where it may be one of the best approaches to treating or managing the disease. The option for a targeted treatment can help shrink tumors, especially those located in sensitive areas. Contact a melanoma cancer service for more help.
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