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Printed May 21, 2013 from http://www.cancer.net/publications-and-resources/what-know-ascos-guidelines/what-know-ascos-guideline-tumor-markers-testicular-cancer-and-extragonadal-germ-cell-tumors-teenage/questions-ask-doctor

Questions to Ask the Doctor

To learn more about serum tumor marker testing for a germ cell tumor such as testicular cancer, consider asking your doctor the following questions:

  • What type of germ cell tumor do I have? Is it testicular cancer, or another type? Is it seminoma, non-seminoma, or a mixed germ cell tumor?
  • Can I obtain a copy of my pathology report (laboratory test results and tissue diagnosis)?
  • What blood tests will I need to have to look at serum tumor marker levels? When should these tests be done?
  • Based on these test results, what treatments do you recommend and why?
  • What are the possible side effects of these treatments?
  • After treatment ends, what is my schedule for serum tumor marker measurements and other evaluations during follow-up care?
  • Who will be monitoring my follow-up care; my oncologist or primary care doctor?
  • Who should I talk with if I have questions about health insurance and the cost of follow-up care?