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My Dad Had Radiation Treatment For Two Skin Cancer Areas

Posted on Tue, 30 Oct 2018

Question: My dad had radiation treatment for two skin cancer areas on his head, several weeks after this treatment he became confused,dillusional and is a total wreck ,did he get to much radiation, does he have swelling of the brain.it is now almost two months since this started

Answered by Dr. Dr. Esmeralda Sera (27 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Radiation therapy

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for asking

Side effects occur because radiation therapy can also damage healthy cells and tissues near the treatment area.

These symptoms are not because of high radiation because they have exact dosage. They can be late side effects of Radiotherapy.

Did he have CT scans of brain lately? If not, then it's recommended getting CT-brain done for further assessment.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Esmeralda Sera (3 hours later)

He had a ct scan about a month ago because he had to go to hospital ,he had a touch of pneumonia, a bladder infection and a blood infection . apparently it was fairly normal ,his doctor said swelling doesn't really show up on that scan he prescribed prednisone 10mg twice a day for one week to see if it would help. does the radiation compromise the immune system . and how long do these side effects last, he seems to be getting worse instead of better. should he see a neurologist

Answered by Dr. Dr. Esmeralda Sera (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Radiation therapy

Detailed Answer:
Radiation is more likely to weaken your immune system if it’s directed at the bones,

I will suggest you restart the Prednisone, also he must have blood tests and electrolytes balance for further check-up.

Yes, a Neurologist should be consulted in this scenario.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee