SPECIAL FEATURE
Te Value
of a Second
Opinion
Advice from an additional expert can help you
choose the treatment that is right for you.
By Mia James
C
hoosing a treatment plan for a
cancer diagnosis is a big decision. There is often more than
one approach available for
each type and stage of cancer,
and you want to choose the one that not
only gives you the best chance of a good
outcome but also fts your quality-of-life
goals. You may fnd that an expert second opinion helps you make the most
informed choice.
A second opinion, explains Brion Randolph, MD, a Medical Oncologist/Hematologist at Cancer Treatment Centers of
America® (CTCA) in Newnan, Georgia,
"is when a person visits another physician to obtain a different point of view
on the options for treating a disease." He
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says that the process helps ensure that you
are fully informed of your treatment possibilities.
SEEKING A SECOND OPINION
Though you can seek a second opinion
at any stage in your decision-making
process, there are times when it may be
most helpful. Specifcally, Dr. Randolph
suggests consulting an additional doctor before you begin treatment. You may
also want to seek a second opinion if your
original doctor has proposed a change to
your treatment plan.
Just as choosing your original doctor
or hospital is an important decision, so is
fnding an expert for a second opinion.
If your diagnosis is rare or complex,
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you may need to see different types of
doctors—such as a medical oncologist,
surgeon and radiation oncologist—who
all work together on your treatment plan.
In this case, Dr. Randolph says, "You might
consider a facility that can provide all the
expertise under one roof." He also suggests
that patients "look for doctors with
experience in treating the specifc diagnosis
in question and those who have access to
the latest technology."
Dr. Randolph says that insight from other
patients who have been treated at a certain
hospital or by a particular doctor can help
you choose where to get a second opinion.
When you contact a hospital, ask if they can
put you in touch with other patients who
are willing to share their experiences.
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