Dr. John D. Lipani is a board-certified, fellowship-trained neurosurgeon and specialist in treatment for metastatic melanoma that spreads to the brain and spine. Also known as stage IV melanoma, metastatic melanoma cancer occurs when melanoma cancer (cutaneous, mucosal or ocular) spreads to distant sites in the body. Common sites include the lungs, liver, abdomen, lymph nodes, brain and spine.
When metastatic melanoma spreads to the brain and spine, it can cause pressure on delicate nerve tissue and result in serious neurologic dysfunction. Alternatively, when the vertebrae of the spinal column are involved, destruction of bone can result in severe back pain and ultimately structural instability. Preservation of brain and spine function is paramount in maintaining a high quality of life. Dr. Lipani uses advanced treatment options to stop the growth of metastatic melanoma that affects the brain and spine and to preserve healthy neurologic function.
Metastatic melanoma cancer cells can spread by direct invasion of tumor growth or be transported through the bloodstream and lymphatic system. With the use of CT scans, PET scans and MRI scans, the specific location(s) of tumor growth can be identified. There are a variety of symptoms associated with metastatic melanoma. Symptoms of metastatic melanoma depend largely on the location of tumor growth in the body. Some symptoms of metastatic melanoma may include the following:
Not all tumors that affect the brain and spine from metastatic melanoma require open surgery. Dr. Lipani is a nationally recognized expert in radiosurgery, a non-invasive neurosurgical technique that treats tumors definitively with no incisions and no anesthesia. Dr. Lipani has extensive experience in open brain and spine surgery as well as non-invasive radiosurgery for the brain and spine. Therefore, many treatment options for metastatic melanoma are available to help patients achieve the best results.
For more information about metastatic melanoma cancer or our metastatic melanoma cancer treatment, contact the office of Dr. John D. Lipani at (609)-890-3400 today!
