Radiation causing skin cancer

Clon
Clon Member Posts: 20
in Head and Neck Cancer #1

Well I went to my dermatologist because I have had a rash on my arms for the last 6 weeks.  He let me know that it was due to the changes in my skin brought on by the Cisplatin.  I have been out of treatment just shy of 1 year, but he said this could be a life long side effect.  I was prescribed some creams which do help by the way. I love these side effects.

While we were talking he asked about my treatment.  I told him I had the 35 rads and 7 Cisplatin doses.  He asked when the last time I hade my skin checked, and I tild him I had some Squamous Cell cancers cut off my arm two years prior.  He was bothered that I was not getting regular visits to a dermatologist becasue, "radiation causes skin cancer." Sure enough, when he checked in my hair line behind my left ear I was growing a melanoma.  

He did a biopsy and I will find out in a week how we will treat this.  I will be mad if I went through alll this treatment for the head and neck cancer and a stupid skin cancer takes me out!!!

My point to this is, I was never told to have regular skin checks or that radiation could cause skin cancer.  It makes sence if you think about it.  I am guessing most of you have not heard this either.  If I survive this I will be making regular visits to my dermatolgist now.

God Bless you all,

Charlie

Comments

  • Iskander
    Iskander Member Posts: 8 Member
    #2
    My radiation oncologist says

    My radiation oncologist says its not the kind of radiation that gives you skin cancer.  Funny, I just asked him this yesterday. 

    And if radiation therapy should give you cancer ("a 1 in 3000 chance") It won't give it to you for 20yrs...so says one of the top radiologist in a world class hospital.

  • OKCnative
    OKCnative Member Posts: 326 Member
    #3
    According to the American

    According to the American Cancer Society, previous exposures to radiation for the treatment of cancer can increase an individual's risk of secondary cancers. The amount of increased risk is based on many factors.

    My oncologist also recommended regular all over body checks for skin cancers. I now get myself checked every 6-months by a dermatologist. My dermatologist also concurred that due to my radiation treatments I should be a bit more diligent about skin cancer. 

    Also according to the ACS, skin cancers from radiation treatment usually develop from 5-9 years after exposure.



  • Clon
    Clon Member Posts: 20
    #4
    Good news

    I just got my biopsy results and it came back as pre-cancer abnormal skin growth.  I have had five spots frozen off, and am geting the bigger one cut out to prevent it from turning into cancer.  It looks liked a dodged a rather huge bullet, but I will be making full body checks part of my scheduled medical checks from now on.  

    I live in Florida so skin cancer is already a concern, but with the higher risk from radiation exposure, I am not going to play around with this.  Especially since it is preventable.  

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