What questions should I ask my oncologist about Head and Neck Cancer

Important Questions to Ask Your Head and Neck Cancer Oncologist

I'm glad you're preparing for your conversations with your care team. Asking informed questions is one of the most important things you can do to understand your diagnosis and treatment options. Here are key questions organized by category:

ABOUT YOUR DIAGNOSIS & STAGING

Understanding Your Specific Cancer:

1. Where exactly is my cancer located? (This matters because different sites in the head and neck are treated differently)
2. What is the stage of my cancer, and what does that mean for my treatment options?
3. What type of cells is my cancer made from? (For example, squamous cell carcinoma is the most common type)
4. Has my tumor been tested for HPV or p16? (According to NCCN Guidelines, HPV testing is important, especially for oropharyngeal cancers, as it affects treatment decisions)

ABOUT BIOMARKERS & GENETIC TESTING

Important for Treatment Planning: 5. What biomarker testing has been done on my tumor? According to NCCN Guidelines, testing should include:

• PD-L1 (Combined Positive Score or CPS) - this helps determine if immunotherapy might work
• Microsatellite instability (MSI) or mismatch repair (dMMR) status
• Tumor mutational burden (TMB)
• HER2 and FGFR status
• Next-generation sequencing (NGS) if available

1. What do these test results mean for my specific treatment options?
2. Are there any genetic mutations in my tumor that might respond to targeted therapies?

ABOUT TREATMENT OPTIONS

Surgery, Radiation, and Chemotherapy: 8. What are my treatment options? (Head and neck cancer is typically treated with surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or combinations of these) 9. Do you recommend surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or a combination? Why? 10. If surgery is recommended, what will be removed, and how might this affect my ability to eat, speak, or swallow? 11. If radiation is recommended, how many treatments will I need, and what are the side effects I should expect?

Immunotherapy & Newer Treatments: 12. Based on my biomarker testing, am I a candidate for immunotherapy? (According to NCCN Guidelines, pembrolizumab is used in certain head and neck cancer cases) 13. Are there clinical trials available for my type and stage of cancer? 14. What newer treatment approaches might be appropriate for my situation?

ABOUT SIDE EFFECTS & QUALITY OF LIFE

Managing Treatment Effects: 15. What side effects should I expect from my recommended treatment? 16. How will treatment affect my ability to eat, drink, and swallow? (This is a critical concern in head and neck cancer) 17. Will I need a feeding tube, and if so, for how long? 18. What support is available for speech and swallowing problems? (According to NCCN Guidelines, speech-language pathology evaluation and therapy are recommended) 19. What about dry mouth (xerostomia), difficulty with taste, or other long-term side effects? 20. Will I need dental care before treatment starts? (NCCN Guidelines recommend dental/prosthodontic evaluation before treatment)

ABOUT SUPPORTIVE CARE

Nutrition, Mental Health & Rehabilitation: 21. Should I see a nutritionist before starting treatment? (NCCN Guidelines recommend nutrition evaluation and counseling) 22. Are there resources for smoking cessation if I currently smoke? (Quitting smoking improves treatment outcomes) 23. Should I be screened for depression or anxiety? (NCCN Guidelines recommend screening for distress management) 24. What rehabilitation services will be available after treatment? (This might include physical therapy, speech therapy, or swallowing therapy) 25. Are there support groups for head and neck cancer patients?

ABOUT YOUR SPECIFIC SITUATION

Personalized Planning: 26. What is your experience treating this specific type and stage of head and neck cancer? 27. What is the goal of my treatment? (Is it to cure the cancer, control it, or manage symptoms?) 28. What does success look like for my treatment plan? 29. How will we monitor my response to treatment? (What imaging or tests will be used, and how often?) 30. What happens if the cancer doesn't respond to the first treatment, or if it comes back?

ABOUT FERTILITY & REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH

If Relevant to You: 31. Will this treatment affect my ability to have children in the future? 32. Should I consider fertility preservation options before starting treatment? (NCCN Guidelines recommend discussing this with patients of reproductive age)

ABOUT FOLLOW-UP CARE

After Treatment: 33. How often will I need follow-up appointments after treatment ends? 34. What imaging or tests will I need during follow-up? 35. What symptoms should I report immediately if they develop? 36. How long will I need to be monitored for recurrence?

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TIPS FOR YOUR APPOINTMENT

✅ Bring a notebook or recording device (ask permission first) to capture important information

✅ Bring a trusted family member or friend to help you listen and take notes

✅ Write down your questions beforehand so you don't forget them

✅ Ask your doctor to explain anything you don't understand - there's no such thing as a "dumb question"

✅ Request written summaries of your diagnosis, stage, and treatment plan

✅ Ask for reliable resources - your oncology team can recommend reputable websites and support organizations

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AUTHORITATIVE RESOURCES

According to NCCN Guidelines for Head and Neck Cancers (Version 5.2025), your care team should be addressing comprehensive evaluation including imaging, biomarker testing, and multidisciplinary consultation. The guidelines emphasize that treatment should be individualized based on your specific tumor characteristics, stage, and overall health.

The American Cancer Society and National Cancer Institute (NCI) also provide excellent patient education resources about head and neck cancer that you can review before your appointments.

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult your healthcare team for personalized medical advice and decisions.