Questions to ask: Mesothelioma
Diagnosis
- Is my mesothelioma pleural or peritoneal?
- What cell type is it: epithelioid, sarcomatoid, or biphasic?
- What is my stage, and what does it mean for me?
- Is my mesothelioma resectable? Could surgery be an option?
- Which other tests do I still need, like a PET scan or breathing tests?
- Should I have genetic testing for BAP1 or other inherited changes?
- Should my family members get genetic counseling?
- Should I get a second opinion at a center that treats a lot of mesothelioma?
- What is the goal of my treatment?
- Is there a clinical trial I should think about now?
- Can I get help learning about compensation for asbestos exposure?
Before
- Do you recommend nivolumab with ipilimumab, or chemotherapy with pembrolizumab, and why?
- How is each treatment given, and how often will I come in?
- What side effects are most likely, and which ones should I call about right away?
- What immune side effects should I and my family watch for?
- Which vitamins or other medicines do I need before treatment?
- How will we handle the fluid around my lung?
- Is talc or a pleural catheter better for me?
- Should I meet with a palliative care team now?
- Will treatment affect my ability to work or care for others?
- How much will treatment cost, and who can help with insurance?
During
- Is the treatment working? What do my scans show?
- Is my breathing problem from fluid, the cancer, or a side effect?
- How often should I drain my pleural catheter?
- Are my blood counts, kidneys, and liver okay for the next treatment?
- Could my diarrhea, rash, or cough be an immune side effect?
- What can help my pain and tiredness?
- How long will I stay on immune treatment?
- Who do I call after hours, and when should I go to the emergency room?
- If this treatment stops working, what are my next options?
- Should I join a clinical trial if the cancer grows?
After
- How often will I need scans and visits?
- What signs would mean the cancer is growing again?
- Can immune side effects still show up after treatment ends?
- What can I do to keep my breathing and strength as good as possible?
- Would pulmonary rehab help me?
- Are there support groups for people with mesothelioma and their families?
- Who can help me plan ahead and talk about my wishes?
- If the cancer comes back, what is the plan?
Last updated: 2026-10-27. Medically reviewed by Veli Bakalov, MD, medical oncologist (October 2026). General education from Step by Step, the patient portal of HemeOncBuddy.