As you cope with cancer and cancer treatment, you need to have honest, open talks with your doctor. You should feel free to ask any question that's on your mind, no matter how small it might seem. Here are some questions you might want to ask. Be sure to add your own questions as you think of them. Nurses, social workers, and other members of your treatment team may also be able to answer many of your questions.
- Would you please write down the exact type of skin cancer I have?
- How far has my melanoma spread within or beneath my skin?
- How thick is the melanoma?
- Are there other tests that need to be done before we can decide on treatment?
- Are there other doctors I need to see?
- How much experience do you have treating this type of cancer?
- What treatment choices do I have? What do you recommend and why?
- What is the goal of the treatment?
- What are the risks and benefits of treatment?
- How long will treatment last? What will it involve? Where will it be done?
- Will I have a scar after my treatment? What other side effects might I have?
- What should I do to be ready for treatment?
- What are the chances of my cancer coming back with the treatment you suggest? What would we do then?
- Should I take special care to avoid sun exposure?
- Do I need follow-up appointments to check for the cancer coming back or a new cancer?
- Are my family members at risk for skin cancer? Should my family members be screened?
Add your own questions below:
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