Melanoma

Questions to ask your doctor about melanoma

Asking your doctor questions will help you make informed decisions. You may want to include some of the questions below in your own list

Diagnosis

  • What type of melanoma do I have? How thick is it?
  • Has the melanoma spread? Did the biopsy remove all of the melanoma?
  • Can you explain the results of the tests to me?
  • Are there clinical guidelines for this type of melanoma?

Treatment

  • What treatment do you recommend? What is the aim of the treatment?
  • Are the latest tests and treatments for melanoma available in this hospital?
  • How long will treatment take? Will I have to stay in hospital?
  • How much will treatment cost? Can the cost be reduced if I can’t afford it?
  • How will I know if the treatment is working?
  • Are there any clinical trials or research studies I could join?

Side effects

  • What are the risks and possible side effects of each treatment? How can these be managed?
  • Will I have a lot of pain? If I do, what will be done about this?
  • Will there be any scarring after the melanoma is removed?
  • What are the chances I will get lymphoedema after treatment?

After treatment

  • How often will I need to get my skin checked after treatment? Who should I go to for my skin checks?
  • How can I protect myself from the sun and get enough vitamin D?
  • If the melanoma returns, how will I know? What treatments could I have?
  • Are there any local support groups for people with melanoma?

Relevant support

Melanoma Patients Australia

Services offered

Cancer information Support from cancer nurses Emotional support +2
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myCarePlan.org.au

Australian Cancer Survivorship Centre

Services offered

Physical symptoms and side effects
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