Questions About Mesothelioma for Your Doctor

Reviewed By: Dr. Michael Milano
Last Updated: September 15th, 2009
Oncologist Reviewed
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Being diagnosed with mesothelioma can be a shocking and life-altering experience. You'll need to be emotionally prepared with what to expect before, during and after your treatment. Dealing with the news that you have cancer of any kind is difficult, but the more you inform yourself about malignant mesothelioma and what to expect along the way, the easier it will be to cope with the diagnosis. You may have many questions about this rare form of asbestos cancer, your options, the effects of treatment, and the risks and potential outcomes of various treatment methods.

One of the best ways to arm yourself with the information needed is by talking with your doctor. However, this isn't always as easy as it sounds, especially when still dealing with the initial shock of your new diagnosis. Here is an outline of many of the important questions necessary to ask your physician. Getting answers to the following questions will help you to fully understand your diagnosis and to make informed decisions about your treatment.

Types of Mesothelioma There are three main types of mesothelioma that include pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma, and pericardial mesothelioma. It is important that you understand the type that you have and how this affects your treatment options and prognosis.

The stages of mesothelioma are determined by the how much the cancer has spread within the body and the number of body organs and/or tissues that may be involved. It is important you understand your cancer stage and how this affects you.

Mesothelioma Treatment There are many questions you will need to ask regarding treatment of mesothelioma. It is very important that you thoroughly understand your treatment options and what to expect throughout to be able to be involved as much as possible in the process. This will also reduce the number of surprises you may face along the way, which in turn will help in easing the stress felt while going through the process.

Your doctor can help you understand your chances of a cure and the percentage of survival. This is based on statistics of those the same type and stage of cancer that you have. The initial answer you receive may be scary and shocking at first. However, being informed and getting the information up front will eliminate later surprises. Remember to remain realistic throughout your treatment without giving up hope. You also want to be as involved as possible in your treatment and decision making process.

Mesothelioma Diagnosis When facing any difficult medical diagnosis, it is often very important to get a second opinion. Talk to your doctor about your thoughts. A good physician will be receptive to your ideas and concerns and should be comfortable and encouraging with your need for another opinion. Sometimes another doctor may have a different take on your case or may have new and additional information that another may not. However, be sure to completely evaluate any and all information from any doctor and weigh your options carefully to make the most appropriate decisions in your medical care.

Clinical trials may turn out to be a valid option for you and offer treatments that may not otherwise be available to the public. Be sure to discuss all the possibilities and risks involved with any clinical trial offered to you.

Sometimes it is hard to remember all the questions you want answered while in the doctor's office. You may be feeling overwhelmed or intimidated by your circumstances. Be sure to write these questions down and take them with you for your next doctor's visit. You will also want to write down any and all additional questions and concerns you have as well. Let your doctor know you want to take the time to have your questions thoroughly answered during your visit. You will also want to write down much of the information the doctor gives you at this time, as the amount of information may be a lot for you to remember once you have left the office.

You may be afraid at first to ask questions because you are afraid of what you may hear. However, often the fear of the unknown is worse than the information received. Even if you get bad news, you can then be prepared for what is to come and how best to make decisions regarding your care and mesothelioma diagnosis. Remember, the more information you have, the less stressful the process will be for you, as you’ll know what to expect. You will also be able to use your knowledge to help the process along in many positive ways that can affect that eventual outcome in your case.

'Questions About Mesothelioma for Your Doctor' Resources:
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    Accessed: 21 July 2007.
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    Accessed: 21 July 2007.