What should you ask your doctor about lung carcinoid tumors?

It is important to have frank, open discussions with your cancer care team. They want to answer all of your questions, no matter how minor you might think they are. For instance, consider these questions:

• What kind of carcinoid tumor do I have?
• Has my carcinoid tumor spread beyond the lungs?
• What is the stage (extent) of my carcinoid tumor, and what does that mean in my case?
• Are there other tests that need to be done before we can decide on treatment?
• How much experience do you have treating this type of cancer?
• Should I get a second opinion?
• What treatment choices do I have?
• What do you recommend and why?
• What risks or side effects are there to the treatments you suggest?
• What should I do to be ready for treatment?
• How long will treatment last? What will it involve? Where will it be done?
• How will treatment affect my daily activities?
• What are the chances of my carcinoid tumor coming back with these treatment plans?
• What would we do if the treatment doesn't work or if the cancer recurs?
• What type of follow-up might I need after treatment?

Along with these sample questions, be sure to write down some of your own. For instance, you might want more information about recovery time so that you can plan your work schedule. Or you may want to ask about clinical trials for which you may qualify.