Questions for your Doctor

Dealing with a cancer diagnosis is never easy, especially if it is a rare form like malignant mesothelioma.  Luckily, for those individuals diagnosed with this disease, as well as their family members and loved ones, there is a wealth of information available.  In order to be better informed about prognosis and treatment options, patients should discuss their diagnosis in depth with a physician.  This type of consultation can provide the patient with more information surrounding their current condition, treatment options, and the effects and risks of those treatments.  This can be an intimidating process, and many people find themselves unable to think of the right questions when the time comes.  Provided here are some questions to consider when meeting with a doctor.

Types

What type of mesothelioma do I have?  
How are these types different?

Mesothelioma can occur in the pleura (chest lining), peritoneum (abdominal lining), or pericardium (sac around the heart).  Each type has slightly different symptoms and treatments.  It is important to know which type you have.

Stages

At what stage is my cancer?  
What does that mean?
Will my stage change?  

Like all cancers, the stages of mesothelioma are ranked by factors like the extent to which the cancer has metastasized, or spread throughout the body.  The stages progress from Ia (one-A, least severe) to IV (four, most severe).  Prognosis generally coincides with the stage of the cancer.

Treatment

What are my options for treatment?  
Which of those options would you recommend and why?
How likely is the cancer to recur with this treatment?
What are the risks and side effects of this treatment?
How long will it take, both for the treatment itself and for recovery?
How can I prepare myself for this treatment?

You will need to understand all of your treatment options and be ready to discuss their potential implications with your doctor in order to be better involved in treatment decisions.  Knowing what to expect, as well as the possible side effects beforehand will minimize surprises during the course of your treatment.

Prognosis

How likely is my condition to be curable?
What is my prognosis?

How good are my long-term chances of survival?

While these may be among the most difficult questions to ask, and their answers the hardest to face, awareness concerning the situation is paramount. 

Options

Are there differing medical opinions for those in my situation?
Would you recommend a second opinion?

No topic is off-limits, and it is important to collect as much information as possible.  Due to the difficult nature associated with a mesothelioma diagnosis, physicians will likely approve of obtaining a second opinion. Getting a second opinion may help you feel involved in the processes of diagnosis and treatment; aiding you in making more knowledgeable decisions.

Clinical Trials

Are there any clinical trials available to patients with my type and stage of mesothelioma?
What are the risks of these trials?

Treatments that are still in the clinical trial stage may not be officially approved for the general public, but can remain an option if the risks are deemed acceptable.  If you decide that a clinical trial is a viable option, be sure to discuss this in depth with your doctor.

Discussing such a serious diagnosis with a medical professional can be an intimidating experience. Having a list of prepared questions or discussion topics can prove helpful and make for a more thorough conversation. It is important for both doctor and patient to be fully engaged in the discussion, including noting your doctor's responses.  Writing down their opinions and answers can make it easier to revisit these topics later with family members and loved ones.  It also works to create a platform for further questioning throughout the entire diagnosis.