Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the thin tissue covering the internal organs, which is caused by exposure to asbestos. A mesothelioma diagnosis can be scary and overwhelming, and you may not know what to do next. To help you through, cancer.net has listed some important questions every patient should ask.
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Immediately after diagnosis, here are the important questions a patient should ask:
- What kind of mesothelioma do I have?
- Where’s my tumor?
- Can you please explain the pathology report?
- What stage is the cancer in? What does that mean?
- What’s my prognosis?
Important questions to ask about treatment and side effects:
- What treatment options are available?
- Are there clinical trials available? What are the details? Where are they located?
- What is the overall objective of the treatment? (Ask whether it’s to destroy cancer, improve quality of life or both.)
- What’s the recommended treatment plan and why?
- Who will be in charge of the treatment?
- What are both the short- and long-term side effects of treatment?
- How can I stay healthy during treatment?
- What can be done additionally to treat any side effects that arise due to the treatment?
- Will the treatment affect my daily and/or sex life?
- Will the treatment affect that patient’s fertility?
Important questions to ask about surgery:
- What kind of surgery is it?
- Will any lymph nodes be removed?
- How long is the operation?
- How long will I need to recover in hospital?
- What will recovery be like?
- Are there any possible long-term side effects?
Important questions to ask about radiation and chemotherapy:
- What is the recommended treatment?
- What is the objective?
- What’s the duration of the treatment?
- Are there any side effects?
- Are there any long term side effects?
- What can be done to reduce the side effects?
Important questions to ask about follow-up care:
- Is there a possibility the cancer will come back? What the warning signs?
- What kind of follow-up tests will I need to have? How often?
- Who will be in charge of my follow-up care?
- What kind of support is available to the patient and their families?
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Mesothelioma Research News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
