Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma

Talking often with the doctor is important to make informed decisions about your health care. These suggested questions are a starting point to help you learn more about your cancer care and treatment. You are also encouraged to ask additional questions that are important to you.

• Where exactly is the tumor located?
• Can you describe the stage of the cancer? Is it possible to predict its future behavior?
• Can you explain my pathology report (laboratory test results) to me?
• Did a pathologist with experience diagnosing salivary disease review my biopsy?
• What clinical trials are open to me?
• What treatment plan do you recommend? Why?
• Who will be part of my health care team, and what does each member do?
• How much experience do they have treating this disease?
• Who will be coordinating my overall treatment and follow-up care?
• What are the possible side effects of this treatment, both in the short term and the long term?
• How will this treatment affect my daily life? Will I be able to work, exercise, and perform my usual activities?
• Could this treatment affect my sex life? If so, how and for how long?
• Could this treatment affect my ability to become pregnant or have children? If so, should I talk with a fertility specialist before cancer treatment begins?
• If I’m worried about managing the costs related to my cancer care, who can help me with these concerns?
• Will there be changes to my appearance? How? For how long? Will I need reconstructive surgery or other procedures?
• Will there be permanent issues relating to saliva production or eating?
• Should I talk with an oncologic dentist before treatment begins?
• Should I meet with a speech pathologist before treatment begins?
• How can I keep myself as healthy as possible during treatment?
• What follow-up tests will I need, and how often will I need them?
• What are the chances this cancer will recur?
• What treatments are available if my cancer recurs?
• What support services are available to me? To my family?
• Whom do I call for questions or problems?