What are some questions I can ask my doctor about basal and squamous cell skin cancer?

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 the treatment team may also be able to answer many of your questions.

• Would you please write down the exact kind of cancer I have?
• Can you explain the different types of skin cancer?
• Has the cancer spread beneath my skin? Has it spread to lymph nodes or to other organs?
• Are there other tests that need to be done before we can decide on treatment?
• Are there other doctors I need to see?
• What are my treatment options? What do you recommend? Why?
• How much experience do you have treating this type of cancer?
• Will I be OK if the cancer is just removed with no follow-up treatment?
• What are the risks or side effects that I should expect with my treatment?
• Will I have a scar after treatment?
• What are the chances that the skin cancer will come back? What would we do if that happens?
• What should I do to be ready for treatment?
• Should I take special care to avoid sun exposure? How should I do that?
• What do you think the outcome will be for me, based on my cancer as you see it?
• What are the chances that I will have another skin cancer?
• Are any of my family members at risk for skin cancer? What should I tell them to do?

Add your own questions below: