As you cope with cancer and cancer treatment, we encourage you to have honest, open discussions with your doctor. Ask any question that's on your mind, no matter how small it might seem. Here are some questions you might want to ask. Nurses, social workers, and other members of the treatment team may also be able to answer many of your questions.

• What kind of oral cavity or oropharyngeal cancer do I have?
• Has my cancer spread beyond the main (primary) site?
• What is the stage of my cancer? What does the stage mean in my case?
• What treatment choices do I have? Which do you recommend? Why?
• Based on what you've learned about my cancer, what are my chances for survival?
• What side effects can I expect from my treatment?
• What are the other risks of treatment?
• How long will it take me to recover from treatment?
• When can I go back to work after treatment?
• Will I need reconstructive surgery or a prosthesis after treatment?
• What are the chances that my cancer will recur?
• Does one type of treatment reduce the risk of recurrence more than another does?
• What should I do to be ready for treatment?
• Should I get a second opinion?

In addition to these sample questions, be sure to write down some of your own. For instance, you might want to ask about clinical trials for which you may qualify.

Last Medical Review: 09/24/2009
Last Revised: 09/24/2009