Xeroderma pigmentosum

Oncology

Relevant questions

​​​​​​To ask your doctor

Your time with the doctor is limited, so preparing a list of questions can help you make the most of the time together. List your questions from most important to least important in case time runs out. Some basic questions to ask the doctor include:

  • Will my child need additional tests?
  • Will my child need a biopsy? When will I know the results?
  • Will these tests need anaesthesia?
  • Will these tests make him/her suffer?
  • How will you determine if the cancer has spread?
  • What are the treatment options?
  • Can any treatments eliminate the tumour?
  • What are the benefits and risks of each treatment?
  • Is there one treatment you think is the best?
  • Will my child receive my treatment here or at another centre?
  • How and when should I report side effects to you?
  • Is there a clinical trial available to treat the disease? Is it appropriate for my child?
  • How will treatment affect my child’s daily activities, like walking, talking and speaking?
  • Are there brochures or other printed material that I can take with me? What websites do you recommend?
  • What type of follow-up care will we need?
  • Can my child go out during daylight?
  • What type of measures should I do for sun protection?
  • What types of clothes or screen filters should I buy?
  • What is better: physical or chemical sunscreen cream?

In addition to the questions that you've prepared to ask your doctor, don't hesitate to ask other questions that occur to you.


Your doctor may ask you

Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions. Being ready to answer them may allow time later to cover other points you want to address. Your doctor may ask:

  • When did you first begin experiencing symptoms?
  • Have your symptoms been continuous or occasional?
  • How severe are your symptoms?
  • What, if anything, seems to improve your symptoms?
  • What, if anything, appears to worsen your symptoms?
  • Is there any new cutaneous lesion?
  • Have the old ones changed?
  • Do you do photo-protection?
Last modified
21 October 2019