Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Thymus Cancer

When you’re told you have thymus cancer

• What kind of thymic tumor do I have? Is it thymoma, or thymic carcinoma?
• Is it cancer?
• Has the cancer spread beyond the thymus?
• What is my prognosis (outlook)?
• What is the stage (extent) of my cancer, and what does that mean?
• Will I need other tests before we can decide on treatment?
• How much experience do you have treating this type of cancer?
• Will I need to see other doctors?
• Should I get a second opinion?

When deciding on a treatment plan

• What treatment choices do I have? What do you recommend? Why?
• Can the tumor be removed with surgery? (Is it likely to be resectable?)
• What’s the goal of treatment?
• What risks or side effects are there to the treatments you suggest?
• What should I do to be ready for treatment?
• How long will treatment last? What will it involve? Where will it be done?
• How will treatment affect my daily activities?
• What are the chances my cancer will recur (come back) with these treatment plans?

During treatment

• How will we know if the treatment is working?
• Is there anything I can do to help manage side effects?
• What symptoms or side effects should I tell you about right away?
• How can I reach you (or someone on your team) on nights, holidays, or weekends?
• Do I need to change what I eat during treatment?
• Are there any limits on what I can do?
• Can you suggest a mental health professional I can see if I start to feel overwhelmed, depressed, or distressed?

After treatment

• What would my options be if the treatment doesn’t work or if the cancer comes back?
• What type of follow-up might I need after treatment?
• What long-term side effects or late effects should I expect?
• Where can I get more information and support?

Along with these questions, be sure to write down some of your own. For instance, you might want to know more about recovery times so you can plan your work schedule. Or you may want to ask about clinical trials.

Keep in mind, too, that doctors are not the only ones who can give you information. Other health care professionals, such as nurses and social workers, may have the answers to your questions. You can find more information about working with your health care team in The Doctor-Patient Relationship.