Parathyroid Cancer: Questions to Ask the Health Care Team

Approved by the Cancer.Net Editorial Board, 06/2022

ON THIS PAGE: You will find some questions to ask your doctor or other members of the health care team to help you better understand your diagnosis, treatment plan, and overall care. Use the menu to see other pages.

Talking often with the health care team 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. You may want to print this list and bring it to your next appointment. It may also be helpful to ask a family member or friend to come with you to appointments to take notes. 

Questions to ask after getting a diagnosis

  • Could my parathyroid tumor be cancerous?

  • Can you explain my pathology report, or laboratory test results, to me?

  • Are more tests needed to find out if the tumor is cancerous?

  • Will I be treated for hypercalcemia? If so, why is this important?

Questions to ask about choosing a treatment and managing side effects

  • What are my treatment options to remove the tumor?

  • If needed, what are my treatment options for hypercalcemia?

  • What clinical trials are available for me? Where are they located, and how do I find out more about them?

  • Which treatment plan do you recommend? Why?

  • What is the goal of each treatment? Is it to eliminate the tumor, help me feel better, or both?

  • Who will be part of my health care team, and what does each member do?

  • Who will be leading my overall treatment?

  • 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 treatment begins?

  • If I am worried about managing the costs of medical care, who can help me?

  • If I have questions or problems, who should I call?

Questions to ask about having surgery

  • How many parathyroid operations does my surgeon perform every year?

  • What type of surgery do you recommend? Can you describe it? How extensive will the surgery be?

  • Are there other surgical options available for me that may be less invasive?

  • Could surgery affect my appearance?

  • Is the rapid “parathyroid test” available in the operating room to find out if all of the abnormal tissue has been removed?

  • How long will the operation take?

  • How long will I be in the hospital?

  • Can you describe what my recovery from surgery will be like?

  • Who should I contact about any side effects I experience? And how soon?

  • What are the possible long-term effects of having this surgery?

Questions to ask about having radiation therapy or therapies using medication

  • What type of treatment is recommended?

  • What is the goal of this treatment?

  • How long will it take to give this treatment?

  • Will I receive this treatment at a hospital or clinic? Or will I take it at home?

  • What side effects can I expect during treatment?

  • Who should I contact about any side effects I experience? And how soon?

  • What are the possible long-term or late effects of having this treatment?

  • What can be done to prevent or relieve the side effects?

Questions to ask about planning follow-up care

  • What is the chance that the cancer will come back? Should I watch for specific signs or symptoms?

  • What long-term side effects or late effects are possible based on the treatment I received?

  • What follow-up tests will I need, and how often will those tests be needed?

  • How do I get a treatment summary and survivorship care plan to keep in my personal records?

  • Who will be leading my follow-up care?

  • What survivorship support services are available to me? To my family?

The next section in this guide is Additional Resources. It offers some more resources on this website that may be helpful to you. Use the menu to choose a different section to read in this guide.