Neuroblastoma - Childhood

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

• Where is the cancer located?
• What is the stage of the cancer? What does this mean?
• What risk group has my child’s neuroblastoma been classified as? What does this mean?
• Does my child’s tumor secrete any tumor markers?
• Can you explain my child’s pathology report (laboratory test results) to me?
• What are the treatment options?
• What clinical trials are open to my child?
• Does this hospital participate in clinical trials for children with neuroblastoma?
• What treatment plan do you recommend? Why?
• What is my child’s prognosis?
• How many children with neuroblastoma are seen and treated at this hospital?
• Who will be part of my child’s health care team, and what does each member do?
• Who will be coordinating my child’s overall treatment and follow-up care?
• What are the possible side effects of this treatment, both in the short term and the long term?
• Could this treatment affect my child’s ability to have a child (fertility) in the future? If so, what fertility preservation options are available before treatment begins?
• How will this treatment affect my child’s daily life? Will he or she be able to attend school or perform his or her usual activities?
• If I’m worried about managing the costs related to my child’s medical care, who can help me with these concerns?
• What follow-up tests are needed, and how often are they needed?
• What support services are available for my child? For my family?
• Whom do I call for questions or problems?