What should you know about melanoma radiation therapy?

Radiotherapy directs energy at a defined area to damage cancer cells. For melanoma, it may be considered when a tumour cannot be removed easily, when disease has returned in a particular place, or when a deposit is causing pain, bleeding, pressure or another problem. It may be used alone or alongside surgery and systemic treatment.

Planning usually includes an assessment, imaging and a positioning appointment. The radiation team marks the treatment area while protecting nearby healthy tissue as far as possible. The number and timing of sessions depend on the body site, treatment goal and your general health.

Tell the team about medicines, implanted devices, pregnancy or possible pregnancy, and previous radiotherapy. Keep the treated skin clean and follow the service's instructions about creams, shaving and sun exposure. Fatigue and skin irritation can develop during or after treatment, although effects vary with the area treated. Ask how to maintain food, fluid and activity levels.

Contact the radiotherapy team for blistering, rapidly worsening soreness, inability to drink, repeated vomiting, fever or a sudden change in symptoms. Seek emergency help for severe breathing trouble, a seizure, new weakness or confusion. A symptom may come from the treated area or another cause, so describe when it began and how it is changing.

Ask: What is the aim of treatment? Which area will be treated? How many visits are expected? Which side effects are most relevant for this body site? Can I continue other melanoma medicines, and who should I call outside appointment hours?