Questions To Ask Your Doctor

If you've been recently diagnosed with laryngeal or hypopharyngeal cancer, you probably have many thoughts running through your head and you may feel unable to think clearly. Your doctor will understand this. You should feel free to ask questions about any concerns you may have. You have a right to have these questions answered.

If your doctor does not have time to give you all the information you need, the nursing staff in the office may be able to answer your questions. You may also want to ask if the office has any patient literature available.

Be sure to take a pen and pad to all of your doctor’s appointments, as you probably won't remember everything your doctor tells you. If the doctor uses words you don't understand, ask for an explanation. If possible, bring a friend or relative with you. They can take notes and support you during and after your visit. You may even want to tape record your discussion so you can replay the answers to your questions at a later time. Of course, you must first ask your doctor's permission to do this.

It’s a good idea to think about what questions you want to ask your doctor. You might want to write the questions down and bring them with you to your appointment. Here is a list of questions you may want to ask. These are only suggestions; you should feel free to replace any or all with questions of your own.

Your Cancer

• What kind of cancer do I have?
• Do you treat many patients with my diagnosis?
• What stage is my cancer?
• Has my cancer spread beyond my throat?
• What do you think my prognosis is?
• (If you smoke) Can you help me quit smoking? Will quitting improve my prognosis?
• Will I need to consult with other specialists?
• Should I get a second opinion?
  
  

• What types of lab tests will I need? What kind of information does each test give?
• Will I need x-rays and scans? Which ones do I need? What kind of information does each test give?
• When will I get the results of these tests?
• Can you explain the results of my tests?
  
  

• What is the goal of treatment for my cancer: to cure my cancer or to treat my symptoms?
• What are my treatment choices?
• What are the risks of each treatment?
• How likely is it that my cancer will recur after each treatment?
• What treatment do you recommend? Why?
• Are there any clinical trials that are right for me? If so, how do I find out more about them?
• How long will I receive treatment, how often, and where?
• How will my treatment be given?
• Can my cancer be removed by surgery?
• If I have surgery, will I need major reconstruction? How will this affect my ability to talk and eat?
• If I need  reconstructive surgery, how soon can it be done after my surgery?
• Will I have chemotherapy? If so, what are the names of all the drugs I will be taking? How will the chemotherapy be given?
• Will I have radiation therapy? If so, what kind?
• How will I know if the treatment is working?
• Can you refer me to another patient who has received this treatment?
• What resources or websites do you recommend for more information?
  
  

• What possible side effects should I expect?
• Which side effects are most serious? 
• When might they start?
• Will they get better or worse as my treatment goes along?
• How can I prepare for them or decrease their impact?
• Could certain treatments help relieve the side effects? What are they? Do you usually recommend or prescribe them?
• Will I require blood transfusions? Why?
• Will my treatment affect my ability to eat my usual diet? If so, how can I eat a healthy diet?
  
  

• How will my cancer treatment affect my usual activities?
• Will I need to stay in the hospital?
• Will I be able to work while I am being treated? If not, when can I go back to work?
• Will I need someone to help me at home? If so, how long will I need them?
• Will I need help taking care of my kids? If so, how long will I need the help?
• Should I avoid certain activities before or during my treatment?
  
  

• Will I have trouble talking or swallowing after I finish my treatment? Are rehabilitation services available to help with these issues?
• Should I watch out for certain symptoms after I finish the treatment? Which ones? What should I do if I have those symptoms?
• Will I have any scars?
• Will I need speech therapy?
• What kind of lab tests, x-rays, and scans will I need?
• How often should I get lab tests, x-rays, and scans?
• How often do I need to come in for checkups?
• When will you know if I am cured?
• What happens if my disease comes back?

This content has been reviewed and approved by Myo Thant, MD.