Why Does a Second Opinion Matter in Cancer Treatment?

Why Does a Second Opinion Matter in Cancer Treatment?

Why Does a Second Opinion Matter in Cancer Treatment?

Diagnosis and treatment of cancer are life-altering experiences for cancer patients. Cancer is a disease that can occur in any part of the body and may even spread to other parts of the body. Any form of cancer treatment can put an immense toll on a person’s life emotionally, physically, and mentally, as well as on their loved ones. Anxiety and fear can become overwhelming even before treatment begins.

All of this fear and anxiety stem from the fear of the unknown, not knowing much about the extent or severity of cancer, or the chances of survival. Patients and their families wish to start treatment as soon as possible to do everything right in order to fight back against cancer. Therefore, it becomes important for such patients to get a second opinion before they move ahead with treatment to re-evaluate and confirm everything. Opting for a second opinion is a rational step and is highly recommended for diseases like cancer.

How Does a Second Opinion for Cancer Treatment Help?

There are a multitude of reasons to consider a second opinion before starting treatment for any type of cancer. The following benefits might help motivate patients to opt for a second opinion before cancer treatment.

1. A matter of the patient’s right

It is always the right of patients to seek a second opinion, which helps them understand their condition better, especially if it is a life-threatening condition like cancer. Getting a second opinion helps patients feel assured, confident, and more informed about further cancer treatment modalities.

1. Confirm diagnosis and better understanding

Getting a second opinion from another oncologist is akin to reviewing a condition, which can either confirm or contradict the previous diagnosis. Sometimes, patients and their families may seek a second opinion because they have not fully comprehended the previously provided diagnosis.

1. There are a variety of treatments to choose from

Each best Cancer Hospital in Bangalore has a unique combination of oncologists who may determine or offer different treatment options for cancer. This grants patients the autonomy to choose and decide upon the desired treatment to proceed with. Additionally, this helps patients become more knowledgeable about the various drugs used in different cancer treatment modalities.

1. If the patient is not comfortable with the current doctor

It is entirely acceptable to change doctors for treatment if the patient is not comfortable with the current team of doctors. Cancer treatment and rehabilitation are matters of belief and confidence, requiring the establishment of a trusting relationship with the doctors and the treatment plan. Therefore, opting for a second opinion may be beneficial in instilling faith in the treatment plan.

1. Wishing to visit a specialist

Oncologists specialise in different types of cancer, such as hepato-pancreato-biliary oncologists, haemato-oncologists, and neuro-oncologists, among others. An oncologist may provide a diagnosis of a type of cancer of which they may not be a specialist. Therefore, it may be a good idea to get a second opinion, especially from a specialist of the type of cancer with which the patient is affected.

1. Deciding the course of treatment

There are many ways by which cancer can be treated. Seeking a second opinion from a different oncologist can help patients explore the different types of cancer treatments available. In this way, patients can understand what each treatment has to offer and choose the one with which they can be the most comfortable and confident.

1. For the peace of mind

The most important objective of seeking a second opinion before any treatment is to gain some peace of mind about the treatment, especially for a disease like cancer. Cancer diagnosis is an extensive affair; the confirmation of cancer itself takes a toll on one’s mental health. Therefore, knowing about the condition completely, understanding the pros and cons of treatment, and talking to oncology specialists can help one become more confident about the treatment and fight cancer with a strong attitude.

Some more reasons to consider a second opinion before cancer treatment, which is highly recommended by oncologists, are due to the following.

1. Cancer is often misdiagnosed

It has been found that at least 10-20% of cancer cases are misdiagnosed. Such cases of misdiagnosis have grave consequences and can even be life-threatening for perfectly healthy individuals. Therefore, when it comes to the treatment of cancer, getting a second opinion becomes especially important. Talking to different specialists and undergoing scans and invasive diagnostic procedures can be lifesaving in some cases.

1. Cancer diagnosis at a later stage

Different types of cancer cause different symptoms, and as the condition progresses, more severe symptoms can develop. Some cancer symptoms may even overlap with other life-threatening or common health conditions affecting the person. Sometimes, even pathologists may overlook cancer markers when testing for cancer. Therefore, if a patient who has been diagnosed or ruled out for cancer but still doesn’t feel right or if the symptoms worsen, opting for a second opinion from a different oncologist may be helpful to confirm or rule out cancer.

1. If the cancer is rare

Cancer is of many different types– some quite common but rather complex, others can be quite rare and require extensive diagnosis for confirmation. Therefore, if a patient has been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, it is better to be safe. Getting a second opinion can make patients, as well as the treating team of oncologists confirm the presence of rare cancer.

Conclusion

Getting a second opinion for any type of disease, particularly cancer, is extremely crucial. It can even prove to be lifesaving for many. Obtaining a second opinion from an experienced panel of oncologists can help instil confidence in the diagnosis as well as in the form of treatments and during the process of rehabilitation. Our panel of oncologists at Apollo Hospitals, Karnataka, also known as the best Oncology Hospital in Bangalore, are among the best in India who have practised for several years and deliver exemplary treatment to cancer patients of all age groups.