A 27-year-old member asked:
How will radiation therapy for a brain tumor change my facial skin?
4 doctor answers • 8 doctors weighed in
Dr. Bahman Daneshfaranswered
Radiation Oncology 35 years experience
None: The treatment is aimed rather precisely toward the tumor and radiation doctors should not allow it to go through your face. The scalp however is different. You will likely lose hair unless the tumor is very small and special techniques like cyberknife are used. If your whole scalp or large areas are treated then hair will most likely temporarily fall and the skin there might get red then heal.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Reza Shirazianswered
Radiation Oncology 22 years experience
Not much: Radiation effects the organs in its field including skin of the scalp(dryness) and hair (hair loss). It should not effect the skin of the face unless it is near the brain radiation field.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Travis Kidneranswered
Surgical Oncology 19 years experience
Varies: It depends on the dose. Acutely it may appear to be slightly tanned or inflamed. These concerns should be brought to the attention of your treating radiation oncologist.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Chad Levittanswered
Radiation Oncology 24 years experience
It shouldn't: Beams going through the scalp and directed at the brain should not affect the face. If beams travel through the face then they could but typically the face is spared of energy going through it to reach the brain.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated Dec 31, 2014
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