Being diagnosed with a condition as serious as cancer can bring about a wide range of reactions in the patient and his/her family members. The reaction can range from confusion to fear. And in such a state of mind, it becomes difficult to decide upon a treatment option. And even if the oncologist outlines the treatment, a patient can still have a strain of doubt “what if my doctor is wrong?” A cancer second opinion is the only way to clear this doubt and make sure that you are updated with all the latest available treatments. Terri Ades, MS, APRN-BC, AOCN, director of cancer information at the American Cancer Society in Atlanta says, “In the past, people with cancer were often anxious about asking for a second opinion, but today, they’re much more comfortable.” And a patient should always be because it is a matter of life and death. Besides, with serious conditions such as cancer, having the input of another expert or team of experts always makes sense.
Role Of Tumor Board In Cancer Second Opinion
If a patient decides to opt for cancer second opinion, it is best to make sure that the service provider has a specialized Tumor Board or Panel which usually consists of medical oncologists (who provide cancer treatment with drugs), surgical oncologists (who deals with cancer surgery) and radiation oncologists (who provide radiation treatment related to cancer). It is a Multidisciplinary Case Conference where the doctors and experts of the concerned discipline collaboratively review and discuss the medical condition and treatment options of the patient.
Reviewing a case at a Tumor Board provides the patient with multiple opinions and enhances their care. It also helps to determine the best treatment plan that is suitable for a particular patient as per his/her condition. It is a multidisciplinary approach where patients have access to a diverse team rather than relying on a single opinion.
BestDoctor provides cancer second opinion based on the review provided by its specialized Tumor Panel. The Tumor Panel at BestDoctor consists of Medical oncologists Dr. Babaiah and Dr. V Satya Suresh, Radiation Oncologists Dr. P Vijayanand Reddy and Pathologist Dr. Upendra Srinivas. The team of specialists works together to evaluate the patient’s case thoroughly and provide a detailed second opinion that contains the diagnosis and treatment options. The patient can share the report with his/her oncologist or doctor for additional information and better treatment.
Reasons To Seek Cancer Second Opinion
An incorrect pathology analysis can completely alter the treatment plan. A recent study reports that 11% of breast cancer pathology second opinions resulted in differences that lead to changes in the treatment plan.
Radiology Second Opinion
The oncology team depends completely on the radiology interpretations such as CT scan, MRI, ultrasound, PET. So, it is helpful for a second radiologist to have a look at the reports and images and give his or her opinion. It helps to bring forth additional diagnostic and treatment plans such as biopsies, surgeries, radiation therapy, and systemic therapies.
Radiation Oncology, Medical Oncology, And Surgical Second Opinions
Specialists and surgeons may differ on the treatment plans. Medical oncologists can differ on their choice of drug regimens, doses and durations while surgeons can differ in their approach and procedure.
If You Have A Less Common or Rare Type Of Cancer
There are certain rare types of cancers such as inflammatory breast cancer or Paget’s disease of the nipple and doctors don’t deal with such conditions often. It is best to get a second opinion from experts who specialize in such rare conditions.
If There Is Uncertainty On The Type or Stage Of Cancer
If the doctor is uncertain about the type or the precise stage of cancer then it is highly recommended to get a second opinion. Imaging test results and pathology test results are not always 100% conclusive.
If The Patient Doubts The Accuracy Of The First Opinion
The patient should seek a second opinion if he/she has any doubts about the diagnosis or treatment plan that was provided during the first opinion or if he/she feels that all the available options are not being explored by the doctor.
If The Patient Is Offered Different Treatment Options
Getting another perspective on the available treatment options helps the patient to make decisions and choose the most effective path of treatment.
Before Having A Surgery
Imaging studies such as ultrasound, CT scan, and MRIs play a crucial role in determining the extent of cancer. A second opinion from a radiologist can be helpful to decide upon the type of surgery.
When Planning Treatment After Surgery
There are a number of treatment options after surgery such as radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, and targeted therapies. And there are different forms of treatment within each category. A cancer second opinion at this stage helps to decide upon a treatment that is appropriate for a patient’s situation.
Difficulty In Understanding Your Physician
If a patient feels that he/she is being rushed to make a decision or if he/she faces difficulty in understanding or communicating with the physician freely then it is time to get a medical second opinion.
If The Doctor Says There Is No Hope
If the patient’s condition is no longer responding to a specific treatment and the doctor says that there is nothing else he can do about it.
It The Treatment Seems Too Toxic
If the patient is suffering from serious side effects from a certain treatment then he/she should get another opinion and seek a change in treatment.
Rushing into treatment is a sign of poor decision which can turn out to be a mistake. So, take your time and choose to seek a cancer second opinion from an authorized service provider that has a second opinion Tumor Panel in order to get a different perspective on your condition and cross-check that you are getting the most effective treatment.
[cl-review quote=”Medically Reviewed By” author=”Dr. Kaushal M. Bhavsar (MBBS, MD)” occupation=”Assistant Professor in Pulmonary Medicine, GMERS Medical College, Ahmedabad” avatar_image=”1325″ source=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fin%2Fdr-kaushal-bhavsar-a8137355%2F|target:_blank”]
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