Top Reasons For A Second Opinion
Mesothelioma misdiagnosis is unfortunately still a common occurrence.
Because mesothelioma is a very rare form of cancer, many oncologists may not readily be familiar with the way it presents or behaves and don’t accurately identify the disease when they see it.
Both false positive and false negative mesothelioma diagnoses are common, which is why you need to get a second opinion if your tests indicate you have mesothelioma.
Prevent a Critical Misdiagnosis
Even once mesothelioma has been correctly diagnosed, you still need a second opinion to help confirm the disease stage.
Mesothelioma stages don’t always look the way the stages do in other types of cancer. Therefore, it’s critical that a specialist reviews and confirms your mesothelioma stage.
Connect With Top Mesothelioma Experts
There are a few dozen mesothelioma specialists in the United States who have an advanced understanding of the disease. Once diagnosed, it’s in your best interest to connect with one of these individuals.
Mesothelioma is diagnosed by human beings interpreting a series of test results, which means the interpretation is only as good as that individual’s experience with mesothelioma.
Not only will a mesothelioma specialist confirm your diagnosis, but they are also your best chance at developing a treatment strategy that will help you fight it.
Mesothelioma specialists have devoted a significant portion of their career to diagnosing and treating mesothelioma, giving them insight that other oncologists and doctors simply don’t have
Better Understand Your Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma doesn’t behave like other cancers. As a result, oncologists who are unfamiliar with the disease may not be able to answer all of your questions, or they may even do so inaccurately.
Did You Know?Fully understanding your disease will empower you to make the decisions that are right for you and your family.
When you get a second opinion from a mesothelioma specialist, you’ll be able to ask each and every question you have and be confident in the information that’s being shared.
Even hearing the same information for the second time can help you better absorb it and understand what’s happening in your body. In addition, studies have proven in-depth conversations about a diagnosis improve quality of life.
Develop the Right Strategy
Mesothelioma experts across the nation have different ideas about the ideal treatment strategy.
For example, some surgeons are strong advocates of removing the lung for pleural mesothelioma patients, while others feel just as strongly about saving it.
In addition, the procedures available to you may be dictated by the facility your doctor works from — especially if they aren’t located at an NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center.
By speaking to at least two cancer specialists, you’ll have a better overall picture of your options and be able to develop a treatment strategy that’s right for you and your family. Information is empowering and you’ll be more confident in the treatment plan you decide to pursue after you’ve received a second opinion.
Improve Survival and Quality of Life
When you receive a second opinion from a mesothelioma specialist, you may learn of new treatments or options that other oncologists simply aren’t aware of.
Mesothelioma specialists are more likely to be on top of the latest treatment options and, in some cases, can even connect you with clinical trials for brand new mesothelioma treatments that aren’t yet available to the general public.
