"Jimmy Carter recently received his first radiation treatment targeting fourspots of melanoma on his brain. Many people have only heard of melanoma on the skin. However, melanoma has a high rate of metastasizing to the central nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord. In the case of a single metastasis, surgical removal is typically an option."
In Carter's diagnosis, the melanoma spots are being treated with radiation. While still actively involved in his charitable organizations, the former President has severely curtailed his public appearances since the discovery.
"While I’m not treating Jimmy Carter, I would say that at the age of 90, if he has no new cancerous lesions elsewhere, he can continue to maintain his current schedule and activities" says Dr. Kornel. "If there are new lesions discovered in the future in his brain, he can repeat his radiation treatments."
To read more on the possible neurologic impacts melanoma and prevention tips, read the full blog post here.