Nasopharyngeal Cancer

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.

• What type of nasopharyngeal cancer do I have?
• What is the stage and grade of the cancer? What does this mean?
• Can you explain my pathology report to me?
• What are the treatment options?
• What clinical trials are open to me?
• What treatment plan do you recommend?
• Should I get an additional consultation or second opinion?
• Who will be part of my health care team, and what does each member do?
• Who will be coordinating my overall treatment and follow-up care?
• If surgery is needed, will it be necessary to have reconstruction done to replace lost tissue around the mandible (lower jaw bone)?
• If surgery is needed, will there be a need for a neck dissection (removal of the lymph nodes)? If so, what type of dissection will be done? What does this mean?
• Can you recommend an oncologic dentist before treatment begins?
• Should I see a speech pathologist prior to treatment? Why or why not?
• What will my rehabilitation consist of?
• What are the possible side effects of each treatment, both in the short term and the long term?
• What can be done to relieve the possible side effects?
• 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?
• When can I expect to recover from the treatment effects?
• What follow-up tests will be needed, and how often will I need them?
• Will there be any lasting or late side effects that will need special care?
• What support services are available to me? To my family?
• Whom do I call for questions or problems?