Questions to Ask About Adrenal Cancer

As you deal with adrenal cancer and the process of treatment, you should be able to have frank, open discussions with your cancer care team. Ask any questions, no matter how trivial they might seem. Among the questions you might want to ask are:

When you’re told you have adrenal cancer 

• Has the cancer spread beyond the adrenal gland?
• What is the  stage  of the cancer, and what does that mean for me?
• Will I need other  tests  before we can decide on treatment?
• Do I need to see any other doctors or health professionals?
• Is this type of adrenal cancer hereditary? Should I consider genetic testing?
• If I’m concerned about the costs and insurance coverage for my diagnosis and treatment, who can help me?

When deciding on a treatment plan

• What are my  treatment  choices?
• Does my cancer need to be treated right away, or can it be  watched closely?
• How much experience do you have treating this type of cancer?
• Should I get a  second opinion? How do I do that?
• What is the goal of treatment?
• What  side effects  should I expect from my treatments?
• What should I do to be ready for treatment?
• What will treatment be like?
• Where will treatment be done?
• What if I have trouble getting to and from my treatments because of transportation problems?
• Is my tumor secreting excessive amounts of hormones?  If so, how will we treat the hormone excess?

During treatment

Once treatment begins, you’ll need to know what to expect and what to look for. Not all these questions may apply to you, but asking the ones that do may be helpful.

• What should I do to be ready for treatment?
• What are the treatments like?
• How long will treatment last?
• Where will the treatments be given?
• What risks or side effects should I be watchful for?
• Are there things I can do to reduce the side effects?
• How might treatment affect my daily activities? Can I still work full time?
• Are there any limits on what I can do?
• How can I reach someone on the team on nights, holidays, or weekends?
• Do I need to change what I eat during treatment?
• Can I exercise during treatment? If so, what kind of exercise should I do?
• If I start to feel overwhelmed, depressed, or distressed, can you suggest a mental health professional I can see?
• What if I need social support during treatment?

After treatment

• How long will it take to recover from treatment?
• When can I  go back to work  after treatment?
• Do I need to follow a special diet after treatment?
• Are there any limits on what I can do?
• What side effects or symptoms should I watch for?
• How often will I need to have follow-up exams and imaging tests?
• How will we know if the cancer has come back? What should I watch for?

Along with 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 or activity schedule. You might also want to ask about clinical trials for which you may qualify.

Doctors aren't the only ones who can give you information. Other health care professionals, such as nurses and social workers, may have the answers you seek. You can find more information about communicating with your health care team in The Doctor-Patient Relationship.