Second Opinion Cancer

Introduction

After the diagnosis of cancer, the doctor explains about your condition and outlines the complete treatment plan. No matter how much the oncologist is trusted upon, it is natural to wonder if something was missed or if a new treatment is available. In case of any doubts, get a second opinion.

Getting a second opinion is increasingly common in modern medicine. In fact, many patients are much more comfortable in getting treated for their cancer if they opt for a second opinion. Furthermore, getting a second opinion is a right of a patient. Cancer treatment is about your own medical care and your life.

Besides, with something as serious as cancer, an input of another expert makes sense for good results. Take a simple example of buying a new car. You do not buy from the first salesman you meet. You shop around. And if this effort is being taken for buying a car, then cancer treatment is a much more serious issue. There is no harm in being more careful.

Experts in this field suggest that doctors should never try to prevent any patient from getting a second opinion. Instead, doctors should encourage it.

Doctors want patients and their families to feel comfortable with the treatment advised. Second opinions are often really helpful as they provide the patient with reassurance.

Benefits of getting a second opinion:

Many researchers suggest that the doctor cannot be right at every time for any type of cancer treatment. Sometimes, taking a second opinion changes the treatment, prognosis, and even diagnosis. Even in some case, a second opinion can completely alter the treatment. However, experts say that such cases are in the minority.

Second opinions can be useful for many reasons, even if the doctors are following standard protocol for treatment. A second opinion can confirm the direction at which the treatment is already heading, or it might also suggest new directions or considerations. Experience matters in caring for cancer patients, and second opinions allow patients to take the benefit of this experience in oncology.

Even if most second opinions just confirm what is already known, they still play an important role. A second opinion offers peace of mind.

Without getting a second opinion, people are sometimes obsessed with other un-attempted methods of therapy. Getting confirmation from a second opinion can really help. If the doctor, from whom a second opinion is sought, also suggests the same treatment as the primary doctor, you know that multiple experts agree on the treatment you need. You can feel more confident about the choice of your treatment.

Getting a second opinion is never a bad idea. But there are instances in which you absolutely need one. They are:

1. If there are any existing doubts about the doctor or if the patient cannot get along with him or her. Having a good working relationship with the doctor is crucial. If this relationship is not present, finding someone else with whom you are more comfortable is advised.

2. If the doctor doesn’t have much experience in treating the cancer you have. Asking your oncologist up front about his or her experience in treating your type of cancer is recommended. If there is not much experience, you need a second opinion.

3. If you have a rare type of cancer. If you have a common cancer such as that of the breast or prostate, there are plenty of good doctors that can help. But the average oncologist may not have seen many cases of a rare cancer. The rarer the cancer is; the more is the possibility of difference of opinion in how to treat it.

4. In case if the doctor says that no lifesaving therapy is available.