QUESTIONS
Receiving a diagnosis of skin cancer can unleash a storm of emotions, from shock to anger—a perfectly natural response to a life-altering revelation. AIM at Skin Cancer stands with you during this challenging period, offering a wealth of supportive resources
Gaining a deep understanding of your condition is a powerful step towards taking charge of your treatment. To this end, we have developed an extensive flipbook filled with critical questions you should consider asking your healthcare providers This tool is designed to arm you with the knowledge and confidence needed to navigate your health journey more effectively. It aims to prepare you for a productive dialogue with your medical team, ensuring you’re thoroughly informed about your treatment options.
At AIM at Skin Cancer, we are firm believers in the power of education as a tool to combat this illness. Our website is continuously updated with cutting-edge research and vital information regarding the prevention, detection, and treatment of skin cancer, enabling you to take an active role in managing your health
We understand that each patient's journey is distinct, and we encourage you to use our resources as a conversation starter with your healthcare providers, always advocating for your needs and seeking clarity whenever necessary
Being well-informed is synonymous with being empowered. Our flipbook is crafted to be a valuable asset in your pursuit of better health. Remember, you are not navigating this path alone; we are here to offer support at every turn
The AIM at Skin Cancer Team
When You Are Told You Need a Biopsy
(BY-op-see) The removal of cells or tissues for examination by a pathologist.
Howlongwillthebiopsytake?
Arethereriskstoperformingthisbiopsy?
WillIhavestitchesandifso,willIneedtoreturntoremovethe stitches?
Willthebiopsyremovethelesioninitsentirety?
ShouldIhavesomeonedrivemetothebiopsyappointment?
WillIbeleftwithascar?
WhattypeofactivitylimitationswillIhave?Forhowlong?
Howlongwillittaketoreceivemyresults?
HowshouldIcareforthebiopsysiteaftertheprocedure?
Willtheprocedurebecoveredbyinsuranceandwhat,ifany, out-of-pocketexpenseswilltherebe?
When You Receive Your Pathology Results
WhattypeofskincancerdoIhave?
Arethereanyhigh-riskoraggressivefeaturesthatIshouldknow about?
Didthebiopsyremovealloftheskincancer?
HowwillIknowifmycancerhasspread?
WillIrequiresurgery?Ifso,whattype?
Whatarethetreatmentoptions?Whataretheplusesand minusesofeachtype?
Pathology Report (puh-THAH-loh-jee ...)
The description of cells and tissues made by a pathologist based on microscopic evidence, and sometimes used to make a diagnosis of a disease.
About Curettage & Electrodesiccation
Whataretherisksofperformingacurettage& electrodesiccation(C&E)?
Howlongwilltheproceduretake?
WillIrequireadditionaltreatmentaftertheC&E?
HowlongdoesittaketohealfromtheC&E?
WillIhavetocomebackatalatertimeforafollow-upvisit?
Willtheprocedurebecoveredbyinsuranceandwhat,ifany, out-of-pocketexpenseswilltherebe?
Curettage
(kyoo-reh-TAZH)
Removal of tissue with a curette (a spoonshaped instrument with a sharp edge).
Electrodesiccation
(ee-LEK-troh-deh-sih-KAY-shun)
The drying of tissue by a high-frequency electric current applied with a needleshaped electrode.
About Cryosurgery
Cryosurgery (KRY-oh-SER-juh-ree)
A procedure in which an extremely cold liquid or an instrument called a cryoprobe is used to freeze and destroy abnormal tissue.
Whataretherisksofcryosurgery?
Howlongwilltheproceduretake?
Whatarethesideeffectsofcryosurgeryandhowwilltheybe managed?
WillIrequireadditionaltreatmentaftercryosurgery?
Howlongdoesittaketohealfromcryosurgery?
WillIhavetocomebackatalatertimeforafollow-upvisit?
Willtheprocedurebecoveredbyinsuranceandwhat,ifany,outof-pocketexpenseswilltherebe?
Questions for Mohs Surgery
TIP
If your surgery is around the eye or nose area, it is advisable to organize transportation to and from your doctor's office, as swelling around the eyes could impair your ability to drive safely home.
WhatisMohssurgery?
AmIagoodcandidateforMohssurgeryversusotherskin cancertreatments?
WhattypesofskincancercanbetreatedwithMohssurgery?
CanyoupleasedescribetheprocedureandwhatIcanexpect fromMohssurgery?
WhatistherecoveryprocesslikeafterMohssurgery?
WhatisthesuccessrateofMohssurgery?
CanMohssurgeryberepeatedifmyskincancerreturns?
Willtheprocedurebecoveredbyinsuranceandwhat,ifany, out-of-pocketexpenseswilltherebe?
Surgery When Scheduling Surgery (SER-juh-ree)
A procedure to remove or repair a part of the body or to find out whether disease is present.
Willthissurgerybeperformedintheclinic,atasame-day surgerycenter,oratahospital?
Howlongwilltheproceduretake?
Whowillperformthesurgery?
ShouldIhavesomeonedriveme?
Whatsideeffectsmayoccurandhowwilltheybemanaged?
WillIbeleftwithascar?
WillIrequireplasticsurgery?Ifso,willthatbedone simultaneously/onthesameday?
Whatwillmyrecoveryprocesslooklike?
WillIbelimitedinwhatactivitiesIcanperform?
DoyouanticipatethatIwillbecancer-freeaftersurgery?
Willthesurgerybecoveredbyinsuranceand,what,ifany,outof-pocketexpenseswilltherebe?
Immediately After Surgery
TIP
Consider arranging for a friend or loved one to stay with you on your first night after surgery. They can offer assistance with any challenges you may face, as well as provide extra support with household tasks.
Doyouthinkyouremovedallofthecancer?
Didyouhavetorepairthewound(withaskingraftorflap)?What doIneedtoknowaboutthat?
(Ifapplicable)Willtheplasticsurgerythatwasperformedbe successful?
HowdoIreducescarring?
WhatmedicationscanItakeforpain?
WhatkindofstitchesdoIhave?Doyouneedtotakethemout?
WhatkindofsymptomsdoIneedtolookforifmysurgicalsiteis nothealingproperly?
WhatkindofactivitylimitationswillIhave?Forhowlong?
Areanyadditionalpathologytestsbeingconducted?Ifso,when willwehavethoseresults? WillIhavetocomebackatalatertimeforafollow-up?
At Your Surgical Follow-up
Areweconfidentthatallofthecancerisoutwithasufficient “margin”ofclearskinaroundit?
Ifnot,areyougoingtoperformanothersurgery?Arethereany otherproceduresthatIneed?
Hasmycancerspread?
Whatadditionaltreatment,ifany,willIneed?
IfIneedtoseeanyadditionalspecialists,whomdoyou recommend?
TIP
Follow your doctor's postop instructions. When you are discharged, your physician will provide specific instructions for the hours, days, and weeks after your procedure.
About Topical Treatments
Whataretherisksforusingatopicalmedication?
HowlongwillIneedtouseatopicaltreatment?
Willthetopicalmedicationbecoveredbyinsuranceand,what,if any,out-of-pocketexpenseswilltherebe?
Topical treatments for skin cancer use creams or gels to apply drugs directly to the skin. These treatments are usually used as a second-line option after surgical excision or cryotherapy.
About Radiation Therapy
Radiation Therapy
(RAY-dee-AY-shun THAYR-uh-pee)
The use of high-energy radiation from x-rays, gamma rays, neutrons, protons, and other sources to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors.
Whydoyoubelieveradiationisapossibletreatmentoption?
HowmanyradiationtreatmentswillIreceive?
ShouldIhavesomeonedrivemetothetreatments?
Whatsideeffectsmayoccurandhowwilltheybemanaged?
WhatkindofworkoractivitylimitationswillIhave?Forhow long?
Whatismyprognosis?
Whattypeoffollow-upwillIneed?
ShouldIgetasecondopinion?
Willthetreatmentsbecoveredbyinsuranceandwhat,ifany, out-of-pocketexpenseswilltherebe?
ShouldIconsiderenrollinginaclinicaltrial?Whyorwhynot?
About Systemic Therapy
Whydoyoubelievesystemictherapyisapossibletreatmentoption?
HowmanytreatmentswillIreceive?
ShouldIhavesomeonedrivemetotreatments?
Whatsideeffectsmayoccurandhowwilltheybemanaged?
WhatkindofworkoractivitylimitationswillIhave?Forhowlong?
CanItakevitamins,supplements,herbs,medicinalmarijuana,etc. whileonthistreatment?
Whatismyprognosis?
Whattypeoffollow-upwillIneed?
DoIneedregularscans?
ShouldIgetasecondopinion?
ShouldIconsiderenrollinginaclinicaltrial?Whyorwhynot?
Systemic Therapy (sis-TEH-mik THAYR-uh-pee)
Treatment using substances that travel through the bloodstream, reaching and affecting cells all over the body.
When You are Finished with Treatment and are Discussing Follow-Up Care
TIP
Attend appointments ! Even if you feel better, don't skip your follow-up appointments.
Whattypeoffollow-upcarewillIneed?
Whatarethechancesofmyskincancerreturningorofdeveloping skincancerelsewhereonmybody?
WhatcanIdotodecreasemyriskforfutureskincancers?
Doyourecommendanygroupsororganizationsforemotional supportforbothmyselfandmyfamily?
Whatistheriskofmyfamilymembersdevelopingskincancer?