Talking often with the doctor is important [2] 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 nasal cavity cancer or paranasal sinus cancer do I have?
• Exactly where is the tumor located?
• What stage and grade is it? 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?
• Who will be part of my health care team, and what does each member do?
• Can you recommend an oncologic dentist before treatment begins?
• Should I see a speech pathologist prior to treatment?
• Who will be coordinating my overall treatment and follow-up care?
• Whom do I call for questions or problems?

If surgery is recommended:

• What type of surgery do you recommend?  Why?
• Who will perform my surgery? How much experience does he/she/they have in this type of surgery?
• Will my surgery include a neck dissection (removing lymph nodes)? If so, what does this mean?
• Will it be necessary to remove part of my teeth or part of the palate (roof of the mouth)? If so, is rehabilitation by prosthesis available?
• If surgery is needed, will it be necessary to have reconstruction done to replace lost tissue in the lower jaw bone (mandible)?
• Will I lose my eye or my eyesight?
• Will anything happen to my sense of smell?
• What other types of side effects can I expect? What will be done to prevent or relieve them?
• Will other types of treatment, including additional surgery, be necessary after this surgery?

For all patients—side effects and follow-up care:

• What are the possible side effects of each 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 follow-up tests will I need, and how often will I need them?
• What support services are available to me? To my family?