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 sarcoma has been diagnosed?
• Has this diagnosis been reviewed by a pathologist who is experienced in the diagnosis and classification of sarcoma?
• What does my diagnosis mean?
• Where is the tumor located?
• What is the sarcoma’s stage and grade? What does this mean?
• Can you explain my pathology report (laboratory test results) to me?
• Should I see a sarcoma specialist?
• Was my case discussed in a multidisciplinary conference? What does this mean?
• What are my treatment options?
• What clinical trials are open to me?
• 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 treatment plan do you recommend? Why?
• What is the goal of each 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 cancer treatment begins?
• If I’m worried about managing the costs related to my cancer care, who can help me with these concerns?
• What support services are available to me? To my family?
• Whom do I call for questions or problems?

Questions to ask before surgery:

• Should I have a biopsy before surgery?
• What will happen during this surgery?
• Will the surgery be performed in en-bloc resection? What does this mean?
• How experienced is this surgeon with sarcoma? How many sarcoma operations has he or she done in the past year?
• What are the possible side effects of my surgery, both in the short term and long term?
• Will I need to stay in the hospital for this surgery? For how long?
• Does the stage of cancer affect the decision for surgery? How?
• Do I need chemotherapy and/or radiation before the surgery? After the surgery?
• Will I need rehabilitative services after the surgery?

Questions to ask before radiation therapy:

• What type of radiation therapy is recommended?
• How experienced is the radiation oncologist with sarcoma? How many people with sarcoma has he or she treated in the past year?
• How many treatments will I need, and how long will each one take?
• What side effects can I expect from this treatment?
• What can be done to prevent or to treat the side effects?

Questions to ask before chemotherapy or targeted therapy:

• What type of medication is recommended?
• How experienced is the medical oncologist with sarcoma? How many people with sarcoma has he or she treated in the past year?
• Are there other chemotherapy or targeted treatments available?
• Should I consider a clinical trial?
• How many treatments will I need, and how long will each take?
• What side effects can I expect from this treatment?
• What can be done to prevent or manage these side effects?

After treatment:

• What are the chances that the sarcoma will return?
• What follow-up tests do I need, and how often do I need them?