Advancements in the oncology space are happening at an unprecedented rate, and it is not any different in the case of a cancer diagnosis. Cancer is a complex disease and depending solely on the primary diagnosis may not be a great idea. Going for a second opinion on the available diagnosis before continuing with the treatment could make a stark difference.
A second opinion is a medical practice wherein a specialist’s diagnosis of a certain case and its treatment plan are reviewed by another specialist or a group of specialists. This is a common practice in cancer management.
During cancer diagnosis, there are times when the tumour has advanced a lot more than what is suggested in the reports, or sometimes it might be a benign tumour, contradicting the severity suggested, or at times, the diagnosis itself could be completely off-base. In these cases, a second opinion could be a lifesaver.
A second opinion can help cancer patients get a better understanding of this disease, learn how it progresses, and make informed health decisions that are positively going to impact their recovery. It is important to note that it is always best to get a second opinion on cancer diagnosis from the best cancer hospitals due to their long track record and in-depth knowledge.
Some patients find it difficult to let their primary care physicians know they want to get a second opinion. However, patients should know that it is normal for them to get a second opinion. In fact, many doctors encourage their patients to go for a second opinion after a cancer diagnosis - this helps them trust the diagnosis and treatment. A second opinion comes in handy in the following scenarios:
Well-informed decisions play a critical role in the success of cancer treatment, and a second opinion could lead to those carefully made decisions. A second opinion on cancer diagnosis could help cancer patients in several ways. The following are a few advantages of getting a second opinion:
Sense of Empowerment and Control over the Health Condition: Learning more about their condition, having an active role in deciding the best treatment plan, and lastly, choosing the specialist of their choice for their treatment evokes a sense of control over their health condition among cancer patients. This could positively impact their decisions and overall disease management.
Higher Chances of a Correct Diagnosis: A second opinion might support the present diagnosis or provide new details that might improve the effectiveness of the current course of treatment. Diagnostic errors in cancer subtypes and rare cancers are common. Patients diagnosed with rare cancers can opt for a second opinion for confirmation on the type and exact stage of cancer.
To Explore Various Advanced Diagnostic and Treatment Options: The horizon for cancer treatment options is getting wider with each passing day. A second opinion on cancer diagnosis may help patients opt for emotionally and physically less taxing treatment procedures that may not only treat their cancer successfully but also help them get back to their normal lives at a relatively faster rate.
Increased Confidence in the Treatment: Being diagnosed with cancer can be confusing and frustrating. However, a second opinion brings a sense of clarity among the patients and their caregivers, which is crucial for informed decision-making.
Value for Money: : In healthcare, the value for money is defined by the efficacy of the treatment, which majorly depends on the precision of the diagnosis. A second opinion should never be seen as an additional expense; it could prevent surgery or provide an alternative treatment plan that not only addresses the condition but also saves money.
A second opinion could also help the patients avoid non-evidence-based treatment procedures that rarely come with tangible results.
Multidisciplinary Approach: Every case at HCG is handled by our multidisciplinary team that comprises specialists from various disciplines, which means it is not just one specialist, but a group of specialists who will be studying each cancer case and helping the patient with the best possible solution.
Centralised Tumour Board: HCG has a unique tumour board, wherein each cancer case is diligently discussed, the available diagnostic information is comprehensively studied, and accordingly, effective treatment planning is made. A detailed assessment of each case helps the specialists at HCG come up with a reliable second opinion.
High-End Diagnostic Facility: Cutting-edge diagnostic technologies, such as PET/CT (analogue/digital), Automated Breast Volume Scanner (ABVS), digital mammography, high-resolution MRI scanner, etc., are employed at our comprehensive cancer centres to provide superior quality diagnostic support.
Evidence-Based Treatment Approach: The multidisciplinary team at HCG opts for an evidence-based treatment approach, which allows the team to use available evidence to plan treatment interventions that are most likely to result in a successful clinical outcome. The team ensures that a customised treatment plan is devised based on the site and stage of the tumour, the co-morbidities, and the patient's preferences.
Ensured Continuity of Care and Compliance with Treatment: HCG connects the patients back with their respective primary care providers to ensure continuity of care and compliance with treatment.