Why would a pathologist get a second opinion?
A second opinion should be obtained by a physician for a challenging case in an attempt to arrive at an accurate diagnosis leading to optimal treatment. And second opinions should be requested by patients when diagnoses require life-altering therapy, to ensure accurate diagnoses and proper treatment plans.
Why would my biopsy need a second opinion?
When you face a serious diagnosis like cancer or one that requires surgery, it’s a good idea to get a medical second opinion on the interpretation of your biopsy. That second opinion can confirm the original diagnosis and treatment plan or, in some cases, change the diagnosis.
How often are breast pathology reports 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.
Can breast cancer biopsy be wrong?
Needle biopsies take a smaller tissue sample and may miss the cancer. However, even with needle biopsies, false negative results are not common. One study looking at nearly 1,000 core needle biopsies found a false negative result rate of 2.2%. That’s just over 2 out of 100 biopsies.
Should you get a second opinion before a breast biopsy?
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.
Should you get a second opinion before getting a breast biopsy?
How do I get a second opinion on a pathology report?
Contact the pathology department where you will be getting a second opinion and find out exactly what the pathologist will need. Usually he or she will want the original tissue samples and any slides that were made after your biopsy or surgery.
Should I get a second opinion before breast biopsy?
You may want to get a second opinion before your biopsy, or after, when you have the results. Most health plans allow you to get a second opinion as long as the second doctor is a member of your health plan.
How often are pathology reports wrong?
The reported frequency of anatomic pathologic errors ranges from 1% to 43% of all specimens, regardless of origin and disease, he said. The error rate for oncology is 1% to 5%.
Should I get a second opinion before a breast biopsy?
How to get second opinion for breast cancer?
To speak with someone in our second opinion pathology group or to inquire about the results of a case sent for consultation, please call 713-792-3112. Breast cancer pathologist: Getting the right diagnosis is… When I first went to medical school, I thought I’d be a cardiologist.
Can a pathologist give you a second opinion?
If you’re thinking about a second pathology opinion, call your insurance company to make sure this service is covered. Sometimes, insurance companies only pay for a physician to give a second opinion about your original pathology results.
How to contact second opinion pathology at MD Anderson?
A written reply will be submitted in every case. To speak with someone in our second opinion pathology group or to inquire about the results of a case sent for consultation, please call 713-792-3112. Contact the Second Opinion Pathology Team Phone: 713-792-3112
When to get a second opinion after surgery?
When to Get a Second Opinion. It can take up to a few weeks to get a second opinion. In most cases, this delay is not a problem and will not interfere with the effectiveness of your treatment. Just be sure to confirm with your doctor that waiting a bit to start treatment is OK.