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Just wondering if anyone has had radiation for stage IV nodular melonoma that started on neck and spread to lungs.

A MyMelanomaTeam Member asked a question 💭
Saint John N.B

My husband is currently on targeted therapy tafinlar.it seems to be working except for one nodular that is growing. He looked into radiation but the oncologist didn’t recommend it. He said he could develop radiation pneumonitis and wouldn’t recommend it. He said it develops on average to 7 percent of people. My husband is 83 years old and in relatively good health. The oncologist said he would do the procedure but wouldn’t recommend it. He also said the melonoma would continue to spread… read more

February 22
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MyMelanomaTeam

Has anyone had experience with radiation for stage IV nodular melanoma that spread to the lungs?

Radiation therapy can be helpful for metastatic melanoma, particularly when it has spread to certain areas. It's especially useful for tumors that can't be removed with surgery or tumors that have returned after previous Show Full Answer

Has anyone had experience with radiation for stage IV nodular melanoma that spread to the lungs?

Radiation therapy can be helpful for metastatic melanoma, particularly when it has spread to certain areas. It's especially useful for tumors that can't be removed with surgery or tumors that have returned after previous treatment.

For stage 4 melanoma, the overall treatment goal is to control tumor growth and help extend life. Surgery alone isn't effective at this stage, so doctors usually recommend a combination approach with systemic therapy to help shrink tumors.

Your oncologist's concern about radiation pneumonitis (lung inflammation from radiation) is valid, especially with lung metastases. This is a real risk that needs to be weighed carefully, particularly given your husband's age and the location of the growing nodule.

Since your husband's targeted therapy is working for most of the disease except one growing nodule, you might want to discuss:
* Whether switching or adding immunotherapy options is possible (like pembrolizumab or nivolumab, if not already tried)
* Whether the combination of nivolumab and ipilimumab could be considered
* If radiation could target just that one growing nodule while continuing targeted therapy

The decision ultimately depends on balancing potential benefits against risks. Getting a second opinion from another oncologist specializing in melanoma might provide additional perspective on managing this specific situation.

February 22

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Had this removed. Waiting on pathology. Does it look like nodular melonoma?

A MyMelanomaTeam Member asked a question 💭
Sacramento Area, CA
June 6

Getting Started on MyMelanomaTeam
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Nodular Melanoma: Treatments, Prognosis, and Risk Factors
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