36 Questions to Ask Your Doctor After a Mesothelioma Diagnosis

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.

 

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