What are some questions I can ask my doctor about liver cancer?

As you cope with liver cancer and its 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 the treatment team may also be able to answer many of your questions.

• Would you please write down the exact type of cancer I have? (Some types of liver cancer have a better outlook than others.)
• Where in the liver is my cancer? Has it spread beyond the liver?
• What is the stage of my cancer? What does that mean in my case?
• How well is my liver working?
• Do I need any other tests 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?
• Can my cancer be removed by surgery?
• What do you recommend and why?
• What is the goal of this treatment?
• What should I do to get ready for treatment?
• How long will treatment last? What will it involve? Where will it be done?
• What are the risks or side effects of different treatments?
• How will treatment affect my daily life?
• What are the chances of my cancer coming back with the treatment you suggest?
• What would we do if the treatment doesn't work or if the cancer comes back?
• What type of follow-up would I need after treatment?
• What are my chances of survival, based on my cancer as you see it?

Add your own questions below: