Questions to ask after getting a diagnosis

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• What type of brain tumor do I have?

• Is the tumor cancerous?

• What is the tumor’s grade? What does this mean?

• Can you explain my pathology report (laboratory test results) to me?

• Will an experienced neuropathologist review my pathology slides?

• Do you have reading material that would help me understand my disease?

• Who will be leading my overall treatment?

• Should I get a second opinion?

• Do you attend expert meetings to discuss complicated tumor cases?

• Are there brain tumor centers of excellence that you recommend I contact?

• Does your practice include multidisciplinary care? What does this mean?

• If I’m worried about managing the costs of medical care, who can help me?

• Do you know of a local support group for people with brain tumors?

 

Questions to ask about choosing a treatment and managing side effects

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• What are my treatment options?

• What clinical trials are available for me? Where are they located, and how do I find out more about them?

• How many brain tumors do you treat each year?

• What treatment plan do you recommend? Why?

• What is the goal of each treatment? Is it to eliminate the tumor, help me feel better, or both?

• Would any of these treatment options keep me from participating in a clinical trial in the future?

• When should I start treatment?

• Who will be part of my health care team, and what does each member do?

• What are the possible side effects of each treatment, both in the short term and the long term?

• How will this treatment affect my daily life? Will I be able to work, exercise, and perform my usual activities?

• Could this treatment affect my sex life? If so, how and for how long?

• Could this treatment affect my ability to become pregnant or have children? If so, should I talk with a fertility specialist before treatment begins?

• What level of caregiving will I need during treatment and recovery?

• Whom should I call with questions or problems?

 

Questions to ask about having surgery

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• What type of surgery will I have?

• How long will the operation take?

• How long will I be in the hospital?

• Can you describe what my recovery from surgery will be like?

• What are the possible long-term effects of having this surgery?

 

Questions to ask about having radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or targeted therapy

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• What type of treatment is recommended?

• What is the goal of this treatment?

• How long will it take to give this treatment?

• What side effects can I expect during treatment?

• What are the possible long-term effects of having this treatment?

• What can be done to relieve the side effects?

 

Questions to ask about planning follow-up care

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• What is the chance that the tumor will come back? Should I watch for specific signs or symptoms?

• What long-term side effects or late effects are possible based on the treatment I received?

• After treatment, what follow-up tests will I need, and how often will I need them?

• How do I get a treatment summary and survivorship care plan to keep in my personal records?

• Who will be leading my follow-up care?

• What survivorship support services are available to me? To my family?

Additional Resources:

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www.cancer.net/cancer-types/brain-tumor