Second Opinion

Independent review of an existing cancer diagnosis and treatment plan.

A second opinion is appropriate when a diagnosis is unclear, when a treatment plan has been recommended and the patient wishes to understand the reasoning behind it, when disease has progressed on current treatment, or when a patient wants to know whether other options exist. The review covers the accuracy and completeness of the pathological diagnosis, the adequacy of staging, whether relevant molecular testing has been performed, and how the proposed plan compares with current national and international treatment guidelines. Seeking a second opinion is a normal part of cancer care and does not affect the patient's relationship with their existing treating team.