Seeking Clarity on Facial Melanoma Prognosis
Patient Profile: Age: 70 Gender: Male Height: 5’10” Weight: 122kg Ethnicity: Caucasian Duration of Symptoms: 7 months Affected Area: Face Relevant Medical History: None Current Medications: None My father-in-law has been diagnosed with melanoma located on his temple. Initially, he noticed a minor growth back in January, which escalated rapidly in size, reaching approximately the dimensions of his ear by April. Initially, the medical team appeared somewhat unconcerned, leading to delays in establishing a treatment course. Approximately six weeks ago, he underwent surgery where the tumor and some surrounding tissue were excised, and a skin graft was taken from his shoulder to cover the area. Subsequently, it was recommended that he embark on a regimen of immunotherapy, slated to commence the following week. Today, he returned for a follow-up with his consultant, who expressed increasing concern over the rapid recurrence of the melanoma. Additionally, a biopsy was performed on another small growth on the same side of his face, which suggests the possibility of more lesions developing. We learned that his cancer has been classified as stage 3C, yet the doctor did not provide a clear explanation regarding the implications of this staging. Instead of immunotherapy, he has been advised to pursue radiotherapy, which is scheduled to begin next week. My wife, who has accompanied him to several appointments, feels that we are not fully informed about his condition. While I understand there are limits to what can be shared, I would greatly appreciate any insights regarding the seriousness of his situation. Despite his lack of prior severe health issues, he is generally in poor health (overweight, suboptimal diet, and beginning to experience mobility difficulties). Thank you in advance for your thoughts.
Answers (1)
7/29/2025, 11:20:41 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear about your father-in-law's situation; it must be quite challenging for your family. Let's break down the key aspects based on the information provided.
Main Points:
- Your father-in-law has been diagnosed with stage 3C melanoma, which indicates a serious condition due to its potential to spread.
- The rapid growth and recurrence of the melanoma are concerning, prompting a switch from immunotherapy to radiotherapy.
- His overall health, including being overweight and mobility difficulties, may impact his treatment and recovery process.
Explanation:
Stage 3C melanoma means that the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes but is still localized. This stage is considered advanced, but treatment options like radiotherapy can help manage the disease. Melanoma is known for its aggressive nature, so timely and effective treatment is crucial to controlling it.
The transition to radiotherapy indicates that the medical team is focusing on reducing the tumor burden and tackling any remaining cancer cells. Radiation can be effective at targeting specific areas, especially if there are multiple lesions.
It's understandable that your wife feels unsure about the next steps. Effective communication with healthcare providers is essential, and it's important to ask questions and express any concerns during follow-up appointments.
Next Steps:
-
Clarify Treatment Goals: Encourage your family to ask the medical team specific questions about the goals of the radiotherapy, potential side effects, and what to expect during this treatment phase.
-
Support Healthy Lifestyle Changes: Since your father-in-law's general health can impact his treatment, consider speaking to him about making dietary changes, and gently encourage more physical activity if possible. This could potentially improve his overall well-being and assist his body in coping with treatment.
-
Monitor Symptoms: Keep a close eye on his symptoms throughout treatment. Document any changes in health, side effects, or new growths, and share this information with his healthcare provider.
-
Consider Patient Support Services: Look into melanoma support communities or counseling services for emotional and informational support. These resources can provide valuable insights and reassurance during this difficult time.
Encourage your family to maintain open communication and advocate for clear explanations about the treatment and disease progression. Your concerns are valid, and it’s important to ensure that your father-in-law receives the thorough and attentive care he needs.
Related Questions
Is It Common for a 9-Year-Old to Experience Facial Paralysis for 6 Months?
At the age of nine, I was told by my father that my smile appeared uneven; essentially, the left side of my face seemed partially paralyzed. Although I could still move it to some degree, blinking was a challenge on that side, which often left my eye feeling dry. We visited the hospital that very day, where they administered laughing gas to facilitate a lumbar puncture due to their suspicion of Lyme disease, along with a blood test to rule out other potential issues. The lumbar puncture was intensely painful, a discomfort I had never experienced before, even with the gas administered to dull the sensation. In the end, the test results yielded no conclusive diagnosis—doctors speculated that a nerve might have been inflamed or something along those lines. Despite having access to free healthcare, the experience was frustrating. To manage my symptoms, I used a patch taped over my eye to help retain moisture, which eventually resolved the issue. Though I suspect that nerve swelling was the culprit, I occasionally find myself reflecting on the incident and wonder if other factors could be responsible.
Unexplained Bruises and Welts on My Daughter's Skin
Four nights ago, my daughter developed two noticeable welts on her thighs, which showed no signs of pain or itching. She insisted vigorously that nothing occurred to cause them, and nobody had harmed her. The following day, I noticed that the welts had vanished, leaving behind bruises. This left me quite anxious, fearing she might have sustained an injury. However, since that initial incident, it seems she has developed one or two more welts every evening right before bedtime, which then disappear overnight, only to be replaced by bruises in the morning. Most of these welts have appeared on her legs, ankles, and feet, with the exception of one on her palm that did not result in a bruise. Oddly, none of the welts are itchy, but she mentions that they can be painful when pressure is applied. There's a bit of swelling as well, consistently occurring in the evenings just before she goes to bed. We plan to consult a doctor on Monday, but it's currently the weekend, and I'm curious if anyone has encountered something similar or could have insights on what might be happening.
Persistent Right Ear Discomfort: Seeking Insights After A Year
Hello everyone, I’m a 33-year-old man residing in the beautiful region of Western Australia. I generally maintain a healthy lifestyle and have no significant medical concerns. In my younger years, I was an avid surfer, but now I find myself in the rural Pilbara area where opportunities for surfing are nonexistent, along with access to medical professionals. I occasionally indulge in kitesurfing here, always equipped with earplugs for protection. Since January 2025, I’ve been dealing with persistent pain and discomfort in my right ear. It all began after I spent a week enjoying freestyle swimming in the ocean in Perth. I initially consulted a doctor there who prescribed Kenacomb for swimmer's ear, but it didn’t yield any improvement. Upon returning to the Pilbara, I sought another doctor's advice, who prescribed a similar antibiotic ear drop, which also failed to provide relief. Despite my continuous visits, the physician kept increasing the potency of the ear drops until I finally insisted on seeing a specialist. Six months later, I traveled back to Perth for an ENT appointment, only to find the specialist unhelpful. Utilizing AI for diagnosis, he was unable to identify any issues and recommended an MRI, which ultimately showed no abnormalities. At a follow-up appointment three months later, the only solution he proposed was a prescription for antidepressants, which I declined. I then sought out another ear specialist in Perth, who similarly declared my ear visually healthy with no apparent issues. While in Perth for my appointments, I had a dental check-up, during which my dentist pointed out that I grind my teeth and provided me with a mouthguard to wear nightly. Another physician suggested that I might have TMJ disorder, so I received Botox injections in my right jaw muscle. Though these interventions offered some relief, the core issue still persisted. Curious about my condition, I purchased an otoscope camera to inspect my ear. To my surprise, I discovered an inflamed surfers ear growth located near the eardrum. Poking at it revealed that it very well might be the source of my discomfort. Despite this growth occupying only a quarter of the ear canal, it does not impair my hearing. The discomfort peaks in the mornings, manifesting as a sharp, stabbing sensation radiating from my right ear to the crown of my skull. However, once I rise and start my day, the pain noticeably diminishes. Additionally, I am aware of persistent tinnitus in that ear. Has anyone else encountered similar issues, or do you have any advice? I appreciate any thoughts you may have. Unfortunately, I cannot upload a photo as the application restricts that functionality.
Blood in Urine: Seeking Guidance
A 20-year-old female weighing 140 pounds has not been taking any medications or supplements, and has no prior or current medical conditions. Her menstrual cycle last occurred two weeks ago. While at work, she observed blood in her urine, which appeared light red but darker than pink. Accompanying this symptom, she has experienced some abdominal discomfort. Notably, there was no evidence of blood on her underwear, only when she urinated. Additionally, she felt a moment of lightheadedness upon noticing the blood, which has since subsided; she attributes this feeling to her anxiety about the potential seriousness of the situation. Given these symptoms, what could be the likely cause? She is uncertain whether to visit the emergency room or to wait until urgent care is available tomorrow for a consultation. As she recently relocated and does not have a primary care physician yet, her anxiety is heightened.
Exploring Endolymphatic Hydrops: Could This Be My Condition?
34 years old / Female Current weight: 165 lbs Navigating the challenges of motherhood In early December 2025, I caught a cold. By mid-December, my right ear felt blocked, but I attributed it to the cold virus. As New Year approached, I experienced another cold, which coincided with an onset of ringing in my ears. Disturbingly, sounds started to seem altered from the affected ear, accompanied by a persistent fullness in that area. Additionally, I noticed twitching of my eye and swelling in the salivary gland on the same side. My primary care physician prescribed a decongestant and Flonase; however, because I am currently breastfeeding, I hesitated to take the medications as directed. On January 27, I was evaluated by an ear, nose, and throat specialist, who requested a hearing assessment the following day. The results indicated that I had sensorineural hearing loss affecting my low-frequency hearing range (250 Hz to 500 Hz). The doctor prescribed a steroid with the hope of addressing the issue promptly. Now on day 10 of steroid treatment, I have experienced significant relief. Remarkably, I've noticed a substantial amount of thick, putty-like mucus clearing from my nasal passages. The pressure in my ear has subsided, and sounds are returning to normal, though I still perceive a slight ringing — possibly just a touch of hearing loss remains. What concerns me is whether ongoing sinus congestion could be the root of these symptoms or if I might genuinely be dealing with endolymphatic hydrops. Notably, I have not experienced any episodes of dizziness. In the evenings, I tend to feel considerable pressure building on the right side of my head, almost as if my sinuses are becoming blocked once more. I would greatly appreciate any insights or advice on this matter, as I find myself in a state of uncertainty regarding my condition.