A glioma diagnosis brings a flood of information, and it's easy to leave appointments realizing you forgot to ask something important. Coming prepared with questions helps you understand your situation, participate in decisions, and feel more in control. Use this checklist as a starting point — bring it (or your own version) to appointments, and don't hesitate to ask for plain-language explanations.
A few tips first bring someone with you to listen and take notes; write down answers (or ask to record); ask your team to explain terms you don't understand; and remember there are no "silly" questions — this is your health.
About the diagnosis
- What type and grade of glioma do I have?
- What did the molecular/genetic testing show (IDH, 1p/19q, MGMT, BRAF, others), and what does it mean for me?
- Where is the tumor, and what does its location affect?
- Can I have a copy of my pathology report?
- Would a second opinion be reasonable, and can you help arrange one?
About treatment
- What are my treatment options, and what do you recommend and why?
- What is the goal of treatment in my case (cure, control, symptom relief)?
- What does each treatment involve, and how long will it take?
- What are the benefits and risks of each option?
- What happens if I delay or decline a particular treatment?
- Are there clinical trials I might be eligible for?
- Is there a targeted therapy relevant to my tumor's molecular features?
About surgery (if relevant)
- What kind of surgery, and what's the goal (how much can be safely removed)?
- What are the risks, including effects on function?
- Would I need an awake craniotomy or other special technique?
- What is recovery likely to be like?
About side effects and daily life
- What side effects should I expect, short- and long-term?
- How will treatment affect my thinking, energy, and ability to work or drive?
- What can be done to manage or prevent side effects?
- Will I be on steroids or anti-seizure medication, and for how long?
- Are there restrictions I should know about (driving, activities)?
About monitoring and the future
- How will we monitor the tumor, and how often will I have scans?
- What symptoms should prompt me to call you between visits?
- What are the signs the tumor might be changing or recurring?
- What is my prognosis, and how should I interpret it? (You can also tell them how much detail you want.)
About support
- What support services are available — counseling, social work, rehabilitation, palliative care?
- How do I reach the team with questions or problems between appointments?
- Are there brain tumor organizations or support groups you'd recommend?
- What can my family and caregivers do, and what support exists for them?
About the practical path
- Who is the main point of contact on my care team?
- What are the next steps, and what's the timeline?
- Is there written information I can take home?
You won't ask all of these at once, and your questions will evolve over time — that's expected. The goal isn't to interrogate your team, but to build a partnership with them. A good care team welcomes your questions and wants you to understand your situation. This is your health and your life; being informed and involved is one of the most empowering things you can do.
## A Note on Sources
The information in this library reflects current, mainstream medical understanding of glioma as of early 2026. When publishing these articles, we recommend citing and linking to reputable organizations, including:
- American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA)
- National Brain Tumor Society (NBTS)
- National Cancer Institute (NCI)
- American Cancer Society (ACS)
- Mayo Clinic
- Johns Hopkins Medicine
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (for pediatric topics)
- The Society for Neuro-Oncology (SNO)
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) (for drug approvals such as vorasidenib, tovorafenib, and dordaviprone)
Glioma research is moving quickly, and treatments and classifications continue to evolve. Always verify specific facts, statistics, and drug information against current primary sources before publication, and ensure each article carries an appropriate medical disclaimer directing readers to their own healthcare team.
This library is for patient education only and does not constitute medical advice. Every person's situation is different — readers should always consult their own neuro-oncologist, neurosurgeon, or healthcare team about their individual diagnosis and care.