As you deal with your adrenal gland cancer and the process of treatment, you need to have frank, open discussions with your cancer care team. You should feel free to ask any question that is on your mind, no matter how trivial it might seem. Among the questions you might want to ask are:

• Do I have a benign or malignant adrenal gland tumor?
• Has my cancer spread beyond the adrenal gland?
• Is my tumor secreting excessive amounts of hormones?
• How do we treat the hormone excess?
• Are the changes to my body permanent?
• How do we treat the changes to my body?
• Is this form of adrenal gland cancer hereditary?
• Does my adrenal gland cancer affect any other organs?
• What other treatment choices do I have?
• What side effects can I expect from my treatments?
• What are the other risks of treatments?
• How long will it take me to recover from treatment?
• When can I go back to work after treatment?
• What are the chances that my cancer will recur?
• What should I do to be ready for treatment?
• Do I need a second opinion?
• Based on what you've learned about my cancer, will it shorten my life?

You will no doubt have other questions about your personal situation. Be sure and write your questions down so you remember to ask them during each visit with your cancer care team. Keep in mind, too, that doctors are not the only ones who can provide you with information. Other health care professionals, such as nurses and social workers, may have the answers you seek.

Last Medical Review: 03/20/2009
Last Revised: 03/20/2009