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Real members of MyMyelomaTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Lytic Lesions & Radiation

A MyMyelomaTeam Member asked a question 💭
Scranton, PA

Has anyone had a lesion return after being radiated? It's been 2.5 yrs since the radiation, 1 yr since ASCT. The lesion is on the occipital condyle (worst bone to break). They could not radiate it entirely the 1st time, as it is too close to the brain stem. It is back, supposedly the same one. The neurologist made an appt. with the Rad. Oncologist. He sees the reg. Oncologist next week. His labs have all been good.😟 I'm assuming since they could not get all of it the 1st time, it will keep… read more

July 28, 2022
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A MyMyelomaTeam Member

Lytic lesions are areas of bone damage caused by multiple myeloma. Here are some key points about lytic lesions and radiation therapy:

Lytic Lesions
- Definition: Soft spots or lesions within the skeletal bone caused by bone loss.
- Impact: These lesions weaken the bone, leading to broken bones and pain.
- Symptoms: Pain Show Full Answer

Lytic lesions are areas of bone damage caused by multiple myeloma. Here are some key points about lytic lesions and radiation therapy:

Lytic Lesions:
- Definition: Soft spots or lesions within the skeletal bone caused by bone loss.
- Impact: These lesions weaken the bone, leading to broken bones and pain.
- Symptoms: Pain and increased risk of fractures.

Radiation Therapy:
- Purpose: Used to treat individual osteolytic lesions, especially when pain is localized.
- Effectiveness:
- Solitary plasmacytomas of the bone respond to radiotherapy in 80 to 90 percent of cases.
- Radiotherapy is most effective for tumors less than 5 centimeters in diameter.
- Benefits:
- Shrinks tumor size.
- Slows or prevents the spread of tumors.
- Strengthens bone and helps treat pain.
- Side Effects:
- Common: Fatigue, swelling, nausea, diarrhea, and skin damage similar to sunburn.
- Less Common: Nerve damage causing pain, weakness, or numbness.
- Rare: Serious side effects like long-term nerve damage.

Treatment Considerations:
- Localized vs. Systemic: Radiation is suitable for localized pain, but systemic medication is needed for widespread lesions.
- Combination Therapy: Radiation may be used alone or in combination with surgery or chemotherapy.

Additional Notes:
- Radiation Therapy Process:
- External beam radiation is the most common form.
- Involves targeting beams of energy at the affected area.
- Requires precise positioning and may involve marking the skin for accuracy.

Conclusion:
Radiation therapy is a valuable tool in managing lytic lesions in multiple myeloma, particularly for localized pain and specific tumor sizes. It offers significant benefits but also comes with potential side effects that need to be managed carefully.

July 17
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

Look into Proton Beam Therapy. It’s like X-ray but much safer in risky areas. It can be tightly focused to only shape of the lesion. It has very little to no radiation overspray at the entry and exit points of the body. It’s often used for brain tumors where they can’t operate and conventional X-ray would cause too much damage.

August 11, 2022
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

He had his Oncology appt. Dr. said "what"? Called head of Radiology. Lesion is NOT back, it is healing. Radiologist either did not read correctly, or the report was typed wrong, not quite sure. Dr. reamed out Radiology. Unbelievable.

August 11, 2022

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