Situations that justify a review
Seeking another view is routine in oncology and is not a criticism of the first team.
- Surgery declined as inoperable or too high risk
- Recurrent or previously operated disease
- Proposed permanent stoma or multi-organ resection
- Peritoneal disease being considered for cytoreduction and HIPEC
- Conflicting recommendations between hospitals
What a second opinion involves
Independent re-reading of cross-sectional imaging, review of the histopathology (with slide review where needed), restaging if scans are older than six weeks, and discussion at a multidisciplinary tumour board before any recommendation.
What to bring
Imaging on disc rather than reports alone, all pathology reports and blocks or slides if available, previous operation notes and discharge summaries, chemotherapy and radiotherapy records, and a current medication list.
Common questions
- Will a second opinion delay treatment?
- A review usually takes days, not weeks, and is arranged so that it does not delay treatment that is already indicated.
- Can a second opinion be given remotely?
- Imaging and reports can be reviewed remotely for an initial view, but a physical examination is needed before any operation is planned.
Related reading
This page is general education, reviewed by Dr. Ishaan Allahabadi, MCh Surgical Oncology (Edge Hill, UK) · MS Surgery · MBBS (Accredited by the Royal College of Surgeons of England). It is not a substitute for individual medical advice. Treatment decisions are made after reviewing your imaging and pathology, in a multidisciplinary tumour board.