When diagnosed with mesothelioma, you will have many questions, and the doctor can answer those. Here’s what you should ask your mesothelioma oncologist.

As a newly diagnosed cancer patient – or as a loved one of a newly diagnosed cancer patient – you’ll need to understand a great deal about what mesothelioma implies in the weeks and months ahead.

An experienced surgical oncologist can answer the majority of your questions. By getting answers to your questions, you will be able to know about the treatment and the process required. 

Role of an Oncologist

An oncologist’s responsibility is to oversee the entire cancer treatment process. Beginning with the diagnosis, an oncologist is responsible for the following:

  • Informing the patient about the diagnosis of cancer, including the stage
  • Informing about available treatment alternatives
  • Providing compassionate and high-quality care, thereby putting the patient at ease.
  • Assisting the patient in the most effective management of cancer symptoms and side effects.
  • Maintaining follow-up appointments following therapy.

Questions to ask when you are diagnosed with mesothelioma

Which type of mesothelioma am I suffering from? 

Your doctor can determine your kind, which refers to the location of cancer. Mesothelioma gets classified into three types: pleural, pericardial, and peritoneal. Although extremely rare, mesothelioma can also develop in the lining of the testicles.

How far has my cancer progressed?

Doctors can inform you of the stage of your cancer, which indicates how far it has spread throughout your body. The majority of cases of this disease are not detected until it has progressed to an advanced stage, such as Stage III or IV.

How likely am I to survive?

After diagnosing the cancer stage, doctors can make a prognosis, which forecasts the disease’s course and impact on survival. 

While some patients are afraid to inquire about their prognosis or would prefer to remain in the dark, knowing your prognosis may help you better comprehend your disease and plan for the future.

While the prognosis for most patients is one year or less, new and improved treatments are extending patients’ lives globally. 

Questions to ask about the treatment 

How long have you been treating mesothelioma?

Due to the rarity of this malignancy, your doctor may be unfamiliar with its treatment. You should inquire about your doctor’s experience treating mesothelioma patients and the therapies they have used.

Which treatment choices are available to me?

Each case is unique. A multidisciplinary team of oncologists experienced in treating mesothelioma will collaborate to create the best treatment plan feasible for you. The treatment strategy most often combines surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.

Different types of oncologists

There are 3 different types of Oncologists. Depending on the type, stage, and location of cancer, several oncologists offer specialized cancer treatment services. Oncology comprises three distinct subfields: medical, surgical, and radiation oncology. 

Medical Oncologist

These oncologists are the types of oncologist who specializes in cancer treatment through chemotherapy and other medications such as immunotherapy. 

The specialist is the principal giver of health care for a cancer patient and is responsible for the treatment’s development. The specialist collaborates with different medical departments to achieve the best results. 

A medical oncologist is also the accountable head who oversees the patients’ post-treatment follow-ups and examinations.

Surgical Oncologist

A surgical oncologist is a surgeon who specializes in removing malignant tumors surgically. They are essentially general surgeons who specialize in oncology and related surgical procedures. Additionally, they are trained to do particular types of biopsies to aid in the diagnosis of malignancy.

Radiation Oncologist

These are physicians who specialize in the treatment of cancer with radiation. Radiation therapy kills malignant cells by bombarding them with high-energy X-rays. When it is impossible to eradicate cancer cells, physicians employ radiation to shrink the tumor or limit its growth without damaging nearby tissues. 

It is referred to as palliative care. The primary goal of therapy is to enhance the patient’s quality of life by halting tumor development and associated symptoms. Radiation oncologists occasionally use brachytherapy to treat cancer patients. 

Radioactive sources are inserted directly into or next to the tumor in this therapy. Depending on the kind of cancer, the radioactive radiation sources may be left in place permanently or removed after each treatment session.

How to find an oncologist?

Below are the top tips on how to find an oncologist to treat you.

  • Consult Your Physician for Referrals
  • Confirm the Oncologist’s Credentials
  • Consider the Oncologist’s Experience
  • Investigate the Hospital’s Quality
  • Conduct an assessment of the oncologist’s communication style

To Conclude:

Oncologists specializing in mesothelioma provide the best chance for individuals with this rare cancer to live a longer life. If surgery is indicated, they will be able to recommend patients to a surgical oncologist who is experienced in complex mesothelioma tumor removal treatments. Ask the questions mentioned above how to find an oncologist for your treatment.