Mesothelioma Guide’s registered nurse and patient advocate, Karen Ritter, compiled a list of important questions mesothelioma patients should ask their doctor following their diagnosis. For more information on mesothelioma and questions to ask your doctor, contact Karen at karen@mesotheliomaguide.com.
Getting a diagnosis of mesothelioma can be a life-changing event. The overwhelming impacts can be felt not only by you but also your loved ones.
The first and most crucial step after getting a mesothelioma diagnosis is finding a specialist. Not all physicians have the knowledge and experience to effectively treat this rare cancer.
Once a specialized multidisciplinary treatment team is in place, the next important step is creating effective communication with your healthcare providers. Establishing an open dialog with your medical team will allow you to better understand your diagnosis, discuss treatment options, and make informed decisions about your medical care.
What Type of Mesothelioma Do I Have (Pleural or Peritoneal)?
There are four types of mesothelioma: pleural mesothelioma; peritoneal mesothelioma; pericardial mesothelioma; and testicular mesothelioma. Approximately 99% of people have either pleural mesothelioma or peritoneal mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma is in the lining of the lungs. Peritoneal mesothelioma is in the lining of the abdominal cavity. These two types have different treatments and survival rates.
What Is My Mesothelioma Cell Type?
There are three cell types of mesothelioma: epithelioid; sarcomatoid; and biphasic. Your diagnosis will include a cell type. The cell type can impact your treatment plan and prognosis. Epithelioid mesothelioma has a more hopeful prognosis than the other two cell types.
What Is the Stage of My Mesothelioma?
It is important to understand the details of your diagnosis. The type and stage of your mesothelioma may impact which treatment options are available to you. Ask your doctor for a detailed explanation of your diagnosis, including the specific location of tumors, what organs are affected, and if your cancer has spread to other locations in your body.
Where Is My Cancer Located?
You should know where mesothelioma tumors are in the body and how far they have spread. Metastasis means the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, such as the spine or brain. This information will help you set expectations for treatment options, prognosis and more.
Should I Seek a Second Opinion From a Mesothelioma Specialist?
Getting a second opinion for mesothelioma can provide you with better insight into your diagnosis and the treatment options available. You may find that some physicians are more aggressive in their treatment approach than others. Comparing treatment plans can put you in control of your cancer care.
What Is My Mesothelioma Prognosis Based on the Type and Stage?
A prognosis is a medical prediction of a disease’s outcome, typically measured by the length of survival. Mesothelioma is unpredictable and aggressive, so no medical professional can provide a precise prognosis, but they can offer an estimate based on the type and stage of your disease. Learning your mesothelioma prognosis can help you understand what to expect regarding your treatment options, life expectancy and quality of life, which will help you plan for the future.
How Can I Manage My Symptoms and Improve My Quality of Life?
Mesothelioma symptoms can include shortness of breath, nausea, chest or abdominal pain, decreased appetite, and fatigue. There are methods to manage these symptoms and improve your quality of life. Discuss any new or worsening symptoms with your physician right away.
Support Resources to Help Manage Your Diagnosis
Managing your mesothelioma diagnosis can be a daunting experience. There is an overwhelming amount of information to learn and decisions to make. Effective communication with your medical team is essential to understanding your diagnosis.
If you need help finding a mesothelioma specialist, contact our nurse navigator and patient advocate Karen Ritter at karen@mesotheliomaguide.com.
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