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

• What kind of thyroid cancer do I have?
• Are there tests that need to be done before treatment?
• Has my cancer spread beyond the thyroid gland?
• What is the stage of my thyroid cancer? What does this mean in my case?
• Is this form of thyroid cancer hereditary? Should my family be tested?
• How much surgery do I need? Should I get other treatments as well?
• What should I do to be ready for treatment?
• Will I need to take thyroid hormone for the rest of my life?
• How many thyroid operations a year do you perform?
• How do you feel about sentinel lymph node biopsy in my case?
• What other treatment choices do I have?
• Are there any clinical trials I should think about?
• 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?
• How soon after treatment can I have sex?
• Will this treatment affect my ability to have children? Do I need to avoid pregnancy for a while?
• What type of follow-up will I need after treatment?
• What are the chances that my cancer will recur?
• Should I get a second opinion?
• Based on what you've learned about my cancer, what are my chances of cure?

You will no doubt have other questions about your own situation. Be sure to write your questions down so that you remember to ask them during each visit with your cancer care team. For example, you may want to ask about clinical trials you may be eligible for. 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: 04/28/2009
Last Revised: 05/14/2009