My doctor found a suspicious mass on my mammogram that he thinks is cancerous. I want to get a second opinion. How can I go about this?
When abnormal tissue is found during a mammogram or an exam, a small sample of cells or tissue from the affected area is collected -- using surgery, needles or other techniques. After the sample is removed, it is sent to a lab for testing. If the test results indicate cancer was found, you may want to seek a second opinion to confirm the diagnosis.
First, ask your doctor for a referral to a breast cancer specialist, or, call hospitals or medical centers that treat cancer. The National Cancer Institute has designated some centers as providing state-of-the-art, up-to-date cancer treatment. A list of these centers can be obtained by contacting the Cancer Information Service at 1-800-422-6237. Get the names of several doctors and hospitals that offer the newest, most effective treatments and have the most experience in treating breast cancer.
When seeking a second opinion, you'll want the second opinion doctor to make sure the initial diagnosis is based on expert pathology at an institution experienced in identifying different types of cancers and disease stages. It is important to bring in all your medical records, x-rays and pathology slides from the other hospital when you go for your second opinion appointment.
When you have cancer, getting the right treatment the first time is very important. You'll want to ask the second opinion doctor to evaluate the treatment planned for you to ensure it is the latest therapy with the best chance of effectively treating the type of cancer you have.
Here are some questions to consider:
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Are the physicians who treat and diagnose breast cancer board-certified?
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Is the hospital accredited by the JCAHO?
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Does the American College of Radiology Mammography Accreditation Program accredit the mammography facility?
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Has the hospital been positively and consistently recognized for medical excellence and leadership?
Experience
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How many women are treated for breast cancer at this hospital each year?
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How many mammograms are performed each year?
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How many stereotactic breast biopsies are performed each year?
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How many surgical procedures to treat breast cancer are performed each year?
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How many women have radiation therapy or chemotherapy for breast cancer at this center?
Range of services
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Is help available in a full range of specialties, such as plastic surgery, radiation therapy, medical oncology and radiology?
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Does the hospital offer a variety of options for diagnosing and treating breast cancer?
Participation in research and education
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Is the hospital associated with a teaching program?
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Does the hospital have fully accredited residency training programs in specialties related to breast cancer care?
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Does the hospital conduct basic research or clinical trials related to breast cancer?
Patient satisfaction
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How satisfied are hospitalized patients with their experience at this facility?
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How satisfied are outpatients with their experience at this facility?
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Is there a program to help patients and their families with the difficulties that may arise during a hospital stay?
Outcome indicators
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What is the infection rate following breast cancer surgery at this center?
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What is the average length of stay in the hospital for breast cancer surgery and for breast reconstruction?
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What percentage of women receives breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy or partial mastectomy)?
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What is the center's success rate for breast reconstruction?
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This information is provided by the Cleveland Clinic and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition. This document was last reviewed on: 7/5/2007...#9008
