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What else can I help you with?
Radiation may help malignant melanoma patients in what stage of the disease?
Radiation therapy is typically used for malignant melanoma patients in later stages of the disease (stage III or IV). It may be used to shrink tumors, relieve symptoms, or treat specific areas of metastasis.
What counseling may be appropriate for malignant melanoma patients?
For those with familial tendencies for malignant melanoma, genetic counseling may be appropriate. Psychological counseling may be appropriate for anyone having trouble coping with a potentially fatal disease.
Why is the recurrence potential high in some malignant melanoma patients?
Although these patients are clinically free of disease after undergoing primary treatment, they are more likely to have some microscopic disease in the body that studies have not yet been able to identify.
What factors help guide a surgeon in whether to remove the lymph nodes during malignant melanoma surgery?
In patients with no signs of regional disease, depth of penetration of the primary tumor helps guide the decision.
How successful is combination therapy in malignant melanoma patients in the latter stages of the disease?
Combination therapy may be an option. The regimen of DTIC + BCNU (carmustine) + cisplatin + tamoxifen delivers a response rate of 40%.
What couseling may be appropriate for malignant melanoma patients?
For those with familial tendencies for malignant melanoma, genetic counseling may be appropriate. Psychological counseling may be appropriate for anyone having trouble coping with a potentially fatal disease.
How do patients with metastasized melanoma react to therapy?
Treatment for those patients who present with or go on to develop systemic disease usually fails; melanoma that has metastasized to the brain is particularly difficult to treat.
What factors create a predisposition to malignant melanoma?
Factors that create a predisposition to malignant melanoma include a family history of the disease, having fair skin that burns easily, a history of excessive sun exposure or sunburns, having numerous moles or atypical moles, and a weakened immune system. Additionally, individuals with a personal history of melanoma or other types of skin cancer are also at an increased risk.
What is the transmission of melanoma?
Melanoma is a non-communicable disease and is not transmitted as an infectious disease is. It is the spreading of the disease.
When should removal of the nodes be avoided during malignant melanoma surgery?
If it could be ascertained that there was disease in the nodes, resection (removal) would be appropriate. However, if there was no disease, the risk of edema should be avoided.
What anesthetic agent should be of concern for the dentist when treating patients with heart disease?
epinephrine
When do bleeding and sensory changes occur in malignant melanoma?
Bleeding and sensory changes in malignant melanoma usually occur in the later stages of the disease when the tumor has grown deep into the skin layers or metastasized to other parts of the body. These symptoms may indicate ulceration and nerve involvement, which require prompt medical attention and treatment.
