Preparing for an appointment

If you have any signs or symptoms that worry you, make an appointment with your doctor.

If you're diagnosed with a malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor, you'll likely be referred to a doctor who specializes in:

• Conditions that affect the nervous system (neurologist)
• Treating cancer (oncologist)
• Surgery involving bones (orthopedist)
• Surgery involving nerves (neurosurgeon)

Because appointments can be brief and because there's often a lot of ground to cover, it's a good idea to be well-prepared. Here's some information to help you get ready and know what to expect from your doctor.

What you can do

• Note symptoms you're experiencing. If you have had signs and symptoms of illness or are just not feeling well, write down those details before your appointment. Your doctor will also want to know when you first noticed these symptoms and whether they've changed over time.
• Make a list of your medications. Include any prescription or over-the-counter medications you're taking, as well as all vitamins, supplements and herbal remedies.
• Take a family member or friend along. Sometimes it can be difficult to remember all the information provided during an appointment. Someone who accompanies you may remember something that you missed or forgot.
• Write down questions to ask your doctor.

Questions to ask your doctor at your initial appointment include:

• What may be causing my symptoms or condition?
• Are there any other possible causes?
• What kinds of tests do I need?
• What do you recommend for next steps in determining my diagnosis and treatment?
• Are there any restrictions that I need to follow in the meantime?

Questions to consider if your doctor refers you to a specialist include:

• Do I have a malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor?
• What are the goals of treatment in my case?
• What treatment do you recommend?
• Is it necessary to begin treatment right away?
• I have these other health problems. How can I best treat them together?
• What are the possible side effects of treatment?
• If the first treatment isn't successful, what will we try next?
• What is the outlook for my condition?

In addition to the questions that you've prepared to ask your doctor, don't hesitate to ask questions during your appointment at any time that you don't understand something.

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions. Thinking about your answers ahead of time can help you make the most of your appointment. Your doctor may ask:

• What are your symptoms, if any?
• When did you first begin experiencing symptoms?
• How have your symptoms changed over time?
• Have you been diagnosed with or treated for any other medical conditions?
• What medications are you taking?