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:
- Are the physicians who treat and diagnose breast cancer board-certified?
- Is the hospital accredited by the JCAHO?
- Does the American College of Radiology Mammography Accreditation Program
accredit the mammography facility?
- Has the hospital been positively and consistently recognized for medical
excellence and leadership?
Experience
- How many women are treated for breast cancer at this hospital each year?
- How many mammograms are performed each year?
- How many stereotactic breast biopsies are performed each year?
- How many surgical procedures to treat breast cancer are performed each year?
- How many women have radiation therapy or chemotherapy for breast cancer at
this center?
Range of services
- Is help available in a full range of specialties, such as plastic
surgery, radiation therapy, medical oncology and radiology?
- Does the hospital offer a variety of options for diagnosing and treating
breast cancer?
Participation in research and education
- Is the hospital associated with a teaching program?
- Does the hospital have fully accredited residency training programs in
specialties related to breast cancer care?
- Does the hospital conduct basic research or clinical trials related to breast
cancer?
Patient satisfaction
- How satisfied are hospitalized patients with their experience at this
facility?
- How satisfied are outpatients with their experience at this facility?
- Is there a program to help patients and their families with the difficulties
that may arise during a hospital stay?
Outcome indicators
- What is the infection rate following breast cancer surgery at this center?
- What is the average length of stay in the hospital for breast cancer surgery and for
breast reconstruction?
- What percentage of women receives breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy or
partial mastectomy)?
- What is the center’s success rate for breast reconstruction?