Should I get a second opinion on a breast lump?
Certainly a second opinion should be obtained before any definitive surgery, like a mastectomy, or a treatment with substantial side effects, such as radiation therapy or chemotherapy. People should not worry too much that a second opinion on their breast pathology will delay treatment.
Can breast cancer be misdiagnosed?
While many of them do take pains to help their patients, cancer is astonishingly a frequently misdiagnosed disease. Breast cancer in particular is often misdiagnosed, putting the lives of countless women at unnecessary risk.
Can I get a second opinion on a mammogram?
Imaging test results (mammography, MRI, ultrasound) and pathology test results (tests performed on the breast cancer tissue) are not always 100% conclusive. If your doctor expresses any uncertainty about the cancer based on your test results, it’s wise to get a second opinion.
What happens at a second opinion appointment?
The doctor giving a second opinion will probably ask for the results of any tests or procedures you already had. Ask the second doctor’s office if any test results, imaging scans, or other medical information needs to be sent ahead of time, before you have your appointment.
When do you get a 2nd opinion on a mammogram?
Patients shouldn’t hesitate to get a second opinion at any point during the process if they’re uncomfortable and feel they need reassurance about the results, Jones said. Cancer specialists can often detect subtleties other physicians might miss.
Can a breast cancer biopsy be wrong?
Although tests aren’t 100% accurate all the time, receiving a wrong answer from a cancer biopsy – called a false positive or a false negative – can be especially distressing. While data are limited, an incorrect biopsy result generally is thought to occur in 1 to 2% of surgical pathology cases.
How often are cancer diagnosis wrong?
A 2013 study from Best Doctors and the National Coalition on Health Care found a survey of more than 400 doctors and pathologist believed cancer misdiagnosis rates to be somewhere between 0 and 10 percent. The BMJ Quality and Safety journal puts that figure much higher at 28 percent.
Are doctors offended by second opinions?
Second opinions increase the likelihood of accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Good doctors know this, which is one reason most reputable doctors will not be offended by second opinions, but instead encourage them.
Do doctors get offended when you get a second opinion?
In serious cases, it can even save your life. But, pursuing a second opinion can add more stress to the situation if you are afraid your current doctor could get offended, resulting in a conflict. While it is not impossible for a doctor to get offended, thankfully it happens less than you may fear.
Why would you need a 2nd biopsy?
“If the biopsy sample is not sufficient to accurately interpret the findings for a precise diagnosis, it will need to be repeated. This leads to uncertainty and anxiety for the patient and can delay proper treatment,” says Dr.
How long does a second opinion take?
After you submit your case on the online portal, it can take up to 14 days to collect all necessary medical records. Once record collection is complete, it typically takes 5 to 7 business days to receive your written online second opinion.
What to know when seeking a second opinion for breast cancer?
Get the names of several doctors and hospitals that offer the newest, most effective treatments and have the most experience in treating breast cancer. When seeking another opinion, you will want the doctor making the second opinion to make sure that first diagnosis is correct.
Why do you need a second opinion for a mammogram?
A second opinion can help to ensure that you’ll be getting the latest therapy with the best chance of effectively treating the type of cancer you have. When abnormal tissue is found during a mammogram or an exam, a small sample of tissue is collected, usually by using a core needle for biopsy of the suspicious area.
When to seek a second opinion at the Cleveland Clinic?
If the test results indicate cancer, you may want to seek a second opinion to confirm the diagnosis and obtain treatment. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services.