Nerve damage Side affects from Radiation Therapy of the Face

jont
jont Member Posts: 2
edited January 2023 in Skin Cancer #1
One year ago I had radiation therapy as a preventative precationary treatment: after excision of a maglignat melanoma tumor from beneath the skin on the right side of my face. The cancer I had is know as "desmoplastic neurotropic melanoma". The radiation thereapy went well and I wore a mask over the untreated area during my treatement and eye protection. I recovered rapidy from my treatment.

Now a year later, out of nowhere, I have had what appears to be side effects in the area about the size of a tennis ball (size of the radiation treated area). I have a constant severe sunburn feeling, tingling skin, tender skin, pressure sensation behind the affected eye, right side on nose only feels the same as what I just mentioned, pressure sensation in the right temple as well.

I am scheuled for another MRI and the previous MRI a month ago showed no cancer cells. I am wondering if I might have nerve damage from the radiation treatment? Has anyone had similar symptons from facial radiation regimen? Diagnosis?

Comments

  • patriciajean
    patriciajean Member Posts: 2 Member
    #2
    nerve damage to side of face

    I have the same exact symptoms that started suddenly right after Thanksgiving & I also had a MRI that showing no cancer & shingles were also ruled out by my eye DR.

    The pain is constant, then sharp pain like needles in my eye & sometimes in my ear.  I had radiation to the left side of my head January of 2010 so this took 3 years to surface.

    Has anyone else dealt with this and what did the Dr's say?

  • patriciajean
    patriciajean Member Posts: 2 Member
    #3
    nerve damage to side of face

     I have been dealing with cancer now for 11 years that started with a tumor that ruptured under the rib cage in 2001, therefore a complete hysterectomy was done & Taxol to follow. The Dr's called it Granulosa Cancer. In 2003 the cancer came back and more surgery and more Taxol was given for another six months. I was free for 5 years but the cancer came back with a vengeance, it was everywhere! The cancer bounces from one organ to the next but stayed in the liver. In Jan. of 2010 I had a tumor sitting under my brain on the left side so radiation was given every day for one month and the tumor was gone. I never expected the radiation to do any nerve damage especially after 3 years go by. I'm still doing different treatments and right now on Cytoxin for the liver cancer. Only my faith in GOD keeps me going and seeing others who are dealing with worst symptoms and dying from their illness or really bad side effects. I consider myself very lucky ~ you know the old saying  I felt bad because I had no shoes until I met a man with no feet.

    By the way ~ I past the 5 year survival rate of liver cancer  -    5 YEARS !??  WHO SAID?!

     

  • robmc
    robmc Member Posts: 1 Member
    #4
    Nerve damage Side affects from Radiation Therapy of the Face

    In Jan 2012 I had surgery on lower lip to remove a desmoplastic melanoma, followed by radiotherap.  MRI results every 6mths have been clear (no spread) but in recent months I have developed a numb sensation akin to a "dental needle" on my left chin and lower face, with occasional sharp pain. and a shaving rash sensation. I have just opted for another MRI but at a higher (3T) level.  I will report back; and appreciate any comments thus far. Rob Mc  

     

  • Kate1948
    Kate1948 Member Posts: 5 Member
    #5
    desmoplastic neurotropic melanoma in left cheek

    Hello, All --

    I am late to this strand. I hope those of you who've written are doing well. Soon I begin radiation for 6 weeks. Four excisions, two skin grafts and there's still desmo way down in the cheek, too close to entering mouth for more surgery. I know that nerve damage is a possible side effect. No other choice right now than doing nothing, which doesn't feel like an option. Thank you for your faith and good spirits. I send you the very best. Kate

  • railbird
    railbird Member Posts: 2
    edited October 2018 #6
    I had 2 melanoma surgerys on

    I had 2 melanoma surgerys on lower lip in 2013,  that went well, i had 35 radiation sessions as a precautionary, side effects of the radiation showed in 2016, which feel like trimenginal neuralgia, electric shocks, dullness in cheek near nose and around eye, initally it was in ear area but has moved to upper eye lid the last 2 months.

  • railbird
    railbird Member Posts: 2
    #7
    desmoplastic melanoma was the

    desmoplastic melanoma was the type, i now take gabapentin to combat that, but trade off is im a bit lethargic

  • MYPEACE
    MYPEACE Member Posts: 1
    #8
    Mucoepidermoid Carcenoma

    I was diagnosed with maliignant mucoepidermoid carcenoma high grade r cheek 1991.  I underwent the required bouts of radiaiton.  5 years later underwent bone reconstruction of my r jaw mandible as a result of osteoradionecrosis  Lost all my beautiful teeth on my right side.  It was devestating.  I've had to deal and cope with this till today. Dry Mouth is a permanent issue.  I cannot have any dental work procedures because of the extensive nerve, skin, and bone damage.  Despite of all of this I've managed to somehow deal with this till today.  I have my bouts with sadness and feelings of depression because of my personal insecurities because of how my face was effected.  Its super hard dealing because after all it's my face and that is a really big deal.  And to not be able to do anything about it is the frustration.  I even stopped going to like the dentist regularly because of my own stigma of just being not being happy with my mouith and teeth.  :(  But overall I have tried to still walk with my head somewhat up as best I can but not without struggles and challenges.  Lately I have had my battle with it and am finding it a littlel harder dealing with this whole journey.  I mean I have held my job and my children were babies when I waas diagnosed so I was able to live a fairly healthy life despite this journey but still very hard.  Somehow I managed to even have a another relationship after seperating with my x husband.  But I am the person behind this whole madness so I admit I have my struggles.  I don't like mirrors nor do I care for me being in pictures :( but that's who I have to deal with based on what's involved.  Insecurities is always in my way everywhere I go.  But life goes on and so I do my best to continue with who I am and where God wants me to be.  

  • robh
    robh Member Posts: 16 Member
    #9
    https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1483876#Comment_1483876

    Did this turn out to be anything?

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