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Irradiated skin prone to skin cancer?

Page last modified on: August 19, 2008
Question from Kate: Down the road, is the skin that has been radiated more prone to skin cancer?
Answers —Mary Gail Mercurio, M.D.: Yes, skin that receives radiation treatment does have an increased risk of developing skin cancer in the future. However, the type of cancers that would develop from this treatment are of the variety that are easily curable and the beauty of skin cancer is that it is readily apparent so it can be diagnosed and treated in its earliest stages with a 100 percent cure rate in most instances.
Ronda Gates, M.S., R.Ph.: Although our conference tonight is focused on breast cancer, don't forget that melanoma can occur on any part of the body, and don't forget to examine your body everywhere. Behind your ears, your head, etc.
Marisa Weiss, M.D., president and founder: During a course of radiation therapy, ordinary freckles and moles can become much darker within the treatment field. This may scare you. These spots are almost always "benign." They just got darker because of the treatment. After radiation is finished, they usually return to their normal color eventually. Some of these spots may actually come off by the end of treatment.

On Wednesday, August 15, 2001, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called No Hair, New Hair, Skin Care. Mary Gail Mercurio, M.D., Ronda Gates, M.S., R.Ph., and Marisa Weiss, M.D. answered your questions on the physical side effects of breast cancer treatment, and what you can do about them.

The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.

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Meet the Experts

Mary Gail Mercurio, M.D., is clinical assistant professor of dermatology at the University of Rochester.

Ronda Gates, M.S., R.Ph.Ronda Gates, M.S., R.Ph. is an adult development specialist and health promotion educator who develops and delivers programs and products to support lifestyle change.

Marisa Weiss, M.D. is a radiation oncologist specializing in breast cancer and the founder, president, and guiding force behind Breastcancer.org.

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