Talk Cancer » Cancer Treatment » Second opinion necessary?
Second opinion necessary?
Question:
Hey Bruce, Definitely get a second opinion … Especially for the pathology slides … Sometimes mistakes are made … If not, then you have a confirming perspective … Depending on your age and your own personal preferences you will want to examine whatever treatment options are available to you … Keep looking here … There are plenty of opinions! … Good luck … T
Response:
Hi—I would guess he means for you to have your slides examined independently by a second pathologist. Actually, pathology is VERY subjective. The pathologist has a set of criteria to help them decide on cancer vs non-cancer and to assign a rating of how aggressive it appears to be (that’s what the Gleason score is). Though it’s doubtful that 2 pathologists viewing the same slides would disagree on cancer vs non-, their rating of it might differ. 6 is the most common Gleason score given. If your second opinion comes in at something other than 6, it’s most likely to be a 5 or 7, so not hugely different. Your treatment options, etc. would probably only realistically be different if you got something like an 8 or 3 on the second opinion, but I think it’s good for your dr. to suggest a second opnion and think you’d be well served to do so. You’ll probably get another 6, but if it does nothing more than bolster your confidence in your urologist, that’s good too. I’m sure you’re already doing this, but research research research!!! Treatment options are variable according to all the numerous factors that exist in your particular case, so look for information that seems to fit your age, Gleason score, personal life, etc. and you can’t go wrong. Good luck to you and your family—it’s not fun, but we’re here to help you through it. Beth
Response:
My elevated PSA (8.5) was discovered in November, and I had a biopsy in January, which proved positive. DRE normal, one of eight biopsy probes positive (30%),Gleason:6 (3+3), stage T1C, bone scan negative. My urologist suggests getting a second opinion. I don’t understand if second opinions are to question the diagnosis or the treatment. I assume pathology results are straight forward, with little leeway for a variable outcome (barring human error). Any advise on second opinions out there?