what questions might I ask my doctors?

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You might want to ask your doctor...

  • What type of skin cancer do I have?

  • Can you explain the different types?

  • Has it spread to other parts of my body?

  • How deep is the tumour?
  • How should I check myself for skin cancer?

  • I have a close relative with BCC, does that increase my risk?

  • I have a patch of skin I am worried about. How can I tell if it is skin cancer? Can you remove it, or will I have to go to hospital?

  • Should I be referred to a dermatologist? How long will I have to wait?
  • What are my treatment options, and what are the risks and benefits of each?

  • Do you often do this type of minor surgery?

  • What type of biopsy will you take? Will it remove a healthy margin of skin tissue?

  • Will I need stitches? Will there be a scar?

  • When and how will I get the biopsy results?

  • What is the chance of a cure?

  • Which treatment do you recommend, and why?

  • Will I be left with a scar?

  • If I don’t have treatment, what will happen?

  • Are there any clinical trials that I might be able to enter?

  • Where will I go for my treatment?

  • How long will I have to wait for my treatment to start?

  • Will I have to stay in hospital? For how long?

  • When will you be able to tell me how successful my treatment has been?

  • How long will it take me to feel better after treatment?

  • What will life be like for me after treatment?

  • What can I do to help myself, during and after treatment?

  • What follow up checks will I need?

  • What are the chances of this cancer coming back?

  • Who can I talk with if I have any questions or need help? Is there a clinical nurse specialist available?



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