What You Should Ask Your Health Care Team About Treatment Of Melanoma?

Melanoma is a type of cancer that develops on the skin.  It is when melanocytes cells start to grow at an abnormal rate.  Melanoma is not as common as some other forms of skin cancer; however, it is more dangerous than other forms of skin cancer because it spreads faster if it is not treated early.

If you are diagnosed with melanoma, it’s very important to have an honest, open discussion with your cancer care team.  You need to ask any question that comes to mind, no matter how small it may seem.  Below are some sample questions to ask your cancer team.

When you are diagnosed with melanoma you should ask:

• How far has the melanoma spread within or underneath the skin?
• How thick is your melanoma?
• Has the melanoma spread to other parts of the body?
• Will I need any other evaluations before we the course of treatment is decided?
• Will I need to see any other types of doctors?
• If I need it, who will help me with concerns about the costs and insurance coverage for my diagnosis and treatment?

When choosing a treatment plan and team you should ask:

• How much experience do you have treating this sort of cancer?
• What are my treatment choices ?
• What are the risks and benefits of each treatments? Why?
• What’s the goal of the treatment? How can I achieve that?
• Would you recommend a doctor or cancer center?
• How fast do we have to decide on treatment?
• What is each treatment like? Where is it done? How long will it last?
• Will I have a scar after treatment?
• What are the odds of my cancer growing or recurring (coming back) with all the treatment options we have discussed?

Once treatment begins, you will want to know what to expect and what to search for. Not all these questions will apply to you, but getting answers to those that do may be useful. Some questions to ask are:

• Is there anything I can do to help manage side effects?
• What symptoms or side effects should I tell you about straight away?
• How do I reach you on nights, holidays, or weekends?
• Are there any limitations on what I can do?
• Would you suggest a mental health professional who I can see if I begin to feel overwhelmed, depressed, or distressed?

After treatment you should ask the following questions:

• What symptoms should I watch for?
• What are the odds of my cancer coming back?
• What are my odds of developing another form of skin cancer?
• Should I take special precautions to prevent sun exposure?  What measures should I take to protect myself from sunlight?
• What sort of follow up will I need after treatment?
• How will we know whether the cancer has come back? What would my options be if this occurs?
• Are my relatives at risk for skin cancer?

Together with these sample questions, be certain to write down your own questions.  For an example, you may want more information about recovery times so you can organize your work or activity program.  Or you may want to ask about clinical trials that you might qualify for.  Keep in mind that doctors are not the only ones that can provide you information.  Other healthcare professionals, like nurses and social workers, can answer some of your questions.