Professional Musician with Dupuytren's Disease Treats Early to Protect Her Playing Career
Alison, a professional oboe player, noticed lumps forming in the palm of her hand and was initially worried they could be something serious. Diagnosed with Dupuytren's disease by Dr Richard Shaffer, she chose to treat immediately.
For a performing musician, the progressive finger contracture that Dupuytren's disease can cause would have been career-ending. Three months after completing radiotherapy, the lumps had almost entirely resolved. There was mild stiffness only. Her oboe playing was completely unaffected.
How were your hands before treatment?
I noticed some lumps on the palm of my hand and was initially worried they might be something sinister, but I was relieved to hear from Dr. Shaffer that it was Dupuytren’s disease and that it could be treated with radiotherapy. As I am a professional Oboe player, I had been very concerned that if left untreated, these lumps would cause contraction and stop me from being able to perform.
How are your hands now?
Fine! Just a little stiffness, no adverse effects on my oboe playing.
Has the disease got better or worse since the end of radiotherapy?
Specialist radiotherapy for Dupuytren's and Ledderhose Disease, delivered with care
Dr Shaffer has treated more than 3,000 patients across a national network of 15 treatment centres. His practice is grounded in Phase III clinical trial data and referenced against Royal College of Radiologists guidelines. Dupuytrens UK holds a 4.9/5 rating on Top Doctors, independently verified across more than 14 years of clinical practice.
Better, the lumps have almost totally gone.
Yes, particularly that the disease was caught early and the treatment worked.
Want to learn more about Dupuytren's disease?
These articles are written by Dr Shaffer and explain what happens if you leave Dupuytren's untreated, who is most at risk, and what radiotherapy actually involves.
