Will My Mesothelioma Doctor Be Mad if I Want a Second Opinion?

As a counselor and support group facilitator, I have had many discussions with mesothelioma patients who wish to consult with another oncologist about other treatment options or clinical trials. Some mesothelioma patients and caregivers have told me, “I worry that my doctor will fire me or get offended if I want a second opinion.” However, I have always encouraged my patients to seek second opinions if they want to for any reason.

Benefits of Getting a Second Opinion (or Third or Fourth) 

Having faith in your treatment plan and healthcare team leads to less anxiety and having more realistic hope for a good outcome. One mesothelioma patient told me, “It took me meeting with several different oncologists to learn about all my treatment options. And then I felt like I made the right choice for me. It gave me hope that I would be okay.” 

Not all personalities are a good fit for everyone. Some mesothelioma patients prefer their oncologist offer more medically technical and detailed information. Others feel more comfortable with health care providers who answer their questions but don’t offer a prognosis for their mesothelioma unless asked. A second opinion will allow mesothelioma patients to find a good personality fit as well as the best treatment option for them.

Multidisciplinary Tumor Boards

Comprehensive cancer treatment centers typically have different types of oncology specialists (surgeons, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, pathologists etc.) who regularly meet to review scans and pathology. They stage mesothelioma and develop the best treatment options for their patients. These types of meetings are called “tumor boards” and are a way that different doctors and ancillary healthcare professionals can collaborate to help patients. 

Because mesothelioma is a rare and very aggressive type of cancer, patients can benefit from this type of discussion and collaboration between cancer professionals. While patients aren’t present at these meetings, one patient I worked with said, “I felt relieved to know that several different doctors were looking at my scans and biopsy reports and working together to come up with a plan for me.”

How Do I Ask for a Second Opinion?

While not everyone with mesothelioma desires or needs to get second opinions, those who do should feel comfortable doing so. The benefits of getting a second opinion can be peace of mind and knowing that you can have open dialogue with your oncologist. 

Suggested Ways to Bring Up Second Opinions 

• “Before I start any treatment for my mesothelioma, I want to get another opinion. Can you recommend an oncologist that specializes in mesothelioma?”
• “I found a clinical trial at another treatment center that is far away, are you able to work with that facility if I’m accepted into their trial?”
• “Do you participate in any tumor boards? Can you present my case for review?”

These days oncologists are very accustomed to their patients asking lots of questions, advocating for themselves and requesting second opinions. I have told patients “If your oncologist gets insulted or angry that you want a second opinion, then that physician is probably not a good fit for you.” 

Negative reactions to seeking second opinions leads to patients not feeling safe to ask questions of their oncologist. This is not the basis of a healthy physician/patient relationship.