Questions to Ask About Bile Duct Cancer

It's important to have honest, open discussions with your cancer care team. They want to answer all your questions, no matter how minor they might seem. Don't be afraid to ask them. Below is a list of questions to get you started.

When you’re told you have bile duct cancer

• What type of bile duct cancer do I have? Where is it located?
• Has my cancer spread beyond the bile ducts?
• What is the stage of my cancer, and what does that mean in my case?
• What is my prognosis (outlook)?
• Do I need other tests before we consider treatment options?
• Do I need to see any other kinds of doctors?
• How much experience do you have treating this type of cancer?
• Should I get a second opinion?

When deciding on a treatment plan

• What are my treatment options?
• Can my cancer be removed with surgery?
• What treatment do you recommend and why?
• What is the goal of treatment?
• What risks or side effects are there to the treatments you suggest? How long are they likely to last?
• How quickly do we need to decide on treatment?
• What should I do to be ready for treatment?
• How long will treatment last? What will it be like? Where will it be done?
• How will treatment affect my daily activities?
• What are the chances my cancer can be cured with these treatment plans?

During treatment

• How will we know if the treatment is working?
• Is there anything I can do to help manage side effects?
• What symptoms or side effects should I tell you about right away?
• How can I reach you on nights, holidays, or weekends?
• Do I need to change what I eat during treatment?
• Are there any limits on what I can do?
• Can you suggest a mental health professional I can see if I start to feel overwhelmed, depressed, or distressed?

After treatment

• What would my options be if the treatment doesn’t work or if the cancer comes back?
• What type of follow-up might I need after treatment?
• What long-term side effects or late effects should I expect?
• Where can I get more information and support?

Along with these sample questions, be sure to write down some of your own. For example, you might want more information about recovery times so you can plan your work or activity schedule. Or you might want to ask about qualifying for clinical trials.

Keep in mind that doctors are not the only ones who can give you information. Other health care professionals, such as nurses and social workers, can answer some of your questions.