Sarcoma - Kaposi

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.

General questions:

• What type of Kaposi sarcoma do I have, and what does this mean?
• Can you explain my pathology report (laboratory test results) to me?
• What are my treatment options?
• What clinical trials are open to me?
• What treatment plan do you recommend? Why?
• What is the goal of this treatment?
• Do I need treatment right away?
• [If applicable] How will my HIV infection be managed during cancer treatment?
• 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?
• 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?
• If I'm worried about managing the costs related to my cancer care, who can help me with these concerns?

For patients who need surgery:

• What type of surgery do you recommend?
• What are the common side effects of this surgery?
• Will I need to stay in the hospital for this surgery? For how long?

For patients who need chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or anti-viral treatment:

• What type of therapy am I getting?
• What do I need to do to get ready for this treatment?
• What are the side effects of this treatment?
• What can be done to relieve the side effects?

For patients who need radiation therapy:

• What type of radiation therapy am I getting?
• What does the preparation for this treatment involve?
• What do I need to do to get ready for this treatment?
• What can be done to relieve the side effects?

After treatment:

• What are the chances that the cancer will return?
• What follow-up tests do I need, and how often do I need them?
• What support services are available to me? To my family?