As noted earlier, it is important to have frank, open discussions with your cancer care team. They want to answer all of your questions, no matter how trivial they might seem. For instance, consider these questions:

• What kind of nasal cavity or paranasal sinus cancer do I have?
• Has my cancer spread beyond the primary site?
• What is the stage of my cancer and what does that mean in my case?
• What treatment choices do I have?
• What do you recommend and why?
• What is my expected survival rate, based on my cancer as you view it?
• What risks or side effects are there to the treatments you suggest?
• What are the chances of recurrence of my cancer with these treatment plans?
• What should I do to be ready for treatment?
• What options for reconstruction of the defects do I have?
• Should I follow a special diet?

In addition to these sample questions, be sure to write down some of your own. For instance, you might want more information about recovery times so you can plan your work schedule. Or, you may want to ask about second opinions or about clinical trials for which you may qualify.

Last Medical Review: 08/13/2009
Last Revised: 08/13/2009