The Questions to Ask Your Doctor document will help you through the diagnosis and, if necessary, treatment process as a guide for conversations with your treatment team.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor INFORMED AND EMPOWERED MELANOMA PATIENTS LIVE LONGER, BETTER LIVES.
Diagnosis-Related Questions
Treatment-Related Questions
• Why do you think I have melanoma?
• What are my treatment options ? Would you recommend any of the immunotherapies or targeted therapies that have been approved over the last few years?
• Do I need a biopsy?
• When will I know the results?
• Will I have a scar from the biopsy?
• Which clinical trials should I consider?
• Have you checked my body for other possible lesions?
• What treatment plan do you recommend?
• Have you tested my melanoma for genetic mutations such as the BRAF mutation? What about other mutations? • What will be our “Plan B” if “Plan A” doesn’t work? • Will I receive my treatment here or at another center? • What are the side effects of the treatment you recommend? • How and when should I report side effects to you?
• What is my stage?
• Do I need more tests to determine my stage?
• If I need more tests, what will they be?
• How will you determine if the cancer has spread?
• Has the cancer spread to my lymph nodes?
• What type of follow-up will I need?
• Will I develop a new melanoma?
• Should I get a second opinion?
• Do I need regular scans or a brain scan?
• Will I be able to continue my normal daily life?
• Do you know what my Breslow Measurement is?
• Should I continue to see a dermatologist? How often?
• Should I get a second opinion?
• What type of follow-up care will I need?
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