The Importance of Getting a Second Opinion for Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer caused by asbestos exposure, with only a few thousand cases diagnosed each year. Because of this, many doctors don’t have experience with mesothelioma, and it’s often misdiagnosed as other conditions.
A second opinion allows a specialist to re-evaluate your situation and ensure your diagnosis is correct. They can also provide additional details, like your cell type and cancer stage, that play a key role in shaping the most effective treatment plan.
Your diagnosis and prognosis (overall health outlook) could change after a second opinion, or it could stay the same.
- Be more confident in your treatment strategy
- Better understand your cancer diagnosis
- Increase your survival time
- Lessen the chance of misdiagnosis
Most medical professionals will support your decision to get a second opinion and may even recommend it themselves.
Get matched with an experienced mesothelioma specialist for a second opinion through our Free Doctor Match service.
5 Benefits of Mesothelioma Second Opinions
The additional knowledge you’ll gain about your health through a second opinion will be well worth it.
Learn more about the benefits of a second opinion for mesothelioma below.
1. Avoid a Mesothelioma Misdiagnosis
Mesothelioma misdiagnosis is a common occurrence. In fact, 22.6% of patients with pleural mesothelioma (cancer of the lung lining) are misdiagnosed at first, according to research published in Open Epidemiology Journal.
Pleural mesothelioma may be misdiagnosed as lung cancer, COPD, bronchitis, pleural plaques, and other lung-related issues. Common peritoneal mesothelioma misdiagnoses are ovarian cancer, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and Crohn’s disease.
2. Confirm Mesothelioma Stage
Even once mesothelioma has been correctly diagnosed, a second opinion can help confirm your cancer stage.
Ensuring your mesothelioma stage is accurate can help your oncologist (cancer doctor) recommend the most effective treatments.
3. Connect With Top Mesothelioma Experts
You can use a second opinion as an opportunity to connect with doctors who specifically treat mesothelioma.
A mesothelioma doctor will review your medical records and may order additional tests to get more information.
Tests ordered for a second opinion may include:
Mesothelioma specialists have devoted much of their careers to diagnosing and treating this rare cancer, giving them insights general oncologists may not have.
“It’s crucial to see a mesothelioma specialist. No one else will know how to help you properly or effectively. Your regular doctor might say you have 6 months to live, but a specialist will have more accurate information.”
4. Better Understand Your Mesothelioma Diagnosis
When you get a second opinion from a mesothelioma specialist, you can ask each and every question you have and be confident in the answers you receive.
Hearing the same information for the second time can help you better absorb it and understand what’s happening in your body.
5. Develop the Right Mesothelioma Treatment Strategy
A mesothelioma second opinion may reveal different treatment options for your cancer. Doctors have varying approaches to treatment, so it’s important to advocate for your health and find a care team you feel comfortable with.
For example, some surgeons are strong advocates of removing a lung for pleural mesothelioma patients, while others feel just as strongly about saving it.
By getting a mesothelioma second opinion, you’ll have a better overall picture of your options and be able to seek the best treatments for your case.
When to Get a Mesothelioma Second Opinion
The sooner you can get a second opinion after a mesothelioma diagnosis, the better. Getting the most effective treatment hinges on having an accurate diagnosis.
Because the symptoms of mesothelioma are often mild at first, many patients aren’t aware that they have cancer until they are in the later stages of the disease, where every day can make a difference.
“If your doctor is not a professional and has not lived it and breathed it, get another oncologist. You need someone experienced — someone who’s going to fight for you and with you.“
Getting a Second Opinion Before Mesothelioma Surgery
Beyond getting a second opinion to confirm your mesothelioma diagnosis, you may also want to get a second opinion before a major surgery.
Mesothelioma surgery can potentially help you live longer, but it can also be aggressive and require long recovery times. If you’ve been diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma, there are two main surgical options you and your doctor may consider.
The two main surgeries for pleural mesothelioma are:
- Extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP), which removes all visible signs of cancer from the chest cavity, including the entire affected lung. This procedure is very aggressive, but some patients have become long-term survivors after undergoing it.
- Pleurectomy with decortication (P/D) is a less invasive surgery that removes part or all of the pleura (lung lining) and visible tumors in the chest cavity. Some doctors prefer this procedure because it spares the patient’s lung.
“Patients have to be not only physically fit for the surgery, but they have to be mentally fit. And that’s where I come in as a surgeon, to make sure that the patients understand what’s coming and have the mental fortitude to go through that recovery.”
Work with your doctor to get all the information you can before moving forward with surgery — including the recovery time, possible complications, and follow-up care.
Get our Free Checklist of Questions to Ask Your Doctor for help guiding the conversation at your next appointment.
How Do I Get a Second Opinion?
Getting a mesothelioma second opinion starts with finding a specialist you’d like to work with.
Steps for mesothelioma second opinions:
- Identify a top mesothelioma cancer center near you.
- Get your physician to submit a referral form (if required).
- Request your complete medical history, including any imaging scans, to be sent to the cancer center.
- Schedule your first appointment.
While some of the nation’s top cancer hospitals require a formal referral, many don’t. Many mesothelioma specialists understand that time is of the essence when it comes to diagnosis and treatment, so you may be able to schedule an appointment within just a few days.
Our team is here to help. Use our Free Doctor Match service to find the right fit for your location, situation, and needs.
Mesothelioma Second Opinion Costs
Most insurance companies recognize the value of mesothelioma second opinions and will cover the costs. In fact, some insurance providers won’t even pay for cancer treatments until you’ve received a second opinion.
Be sure to check with your provider for your specific coverage details and find out what their limitations are for choosing a mesothelioma specialist.
Some costs to consider may include:
- Any additional imaging scans, biopsies, or other required tests
- Out-of-pocket expenses for the appointment
- Travel and lodging if you need to see a specialist in another city
If you need help paying for a mesothelioma second opinion or any other bills related to your diagnosis, contact us today. We can help you determine your options for compensation.
Work With a Patient Advocate for a Mesothelioma Second Opinion
If you’re feeling uncomfortable or confused about seeking a second opinion, our caring and experienced team is here for you.
A Patient Advocate can help you:
- Determine whether to pursue a second opinion
- Find a specialist who is qualified to evaluate your situation
- Help you prepare questions for your doctor appointments
- Look for financial compensation to help with travel costs and medical bills
- Evaluate your treatment options and know what to expect
“You are in the driver’s seat. I want patients to know that they can take control of their journey with mesothelioma and that I will be there with them every step of the way.”
Call us at (866) 608-8933 or contact us anytime for free, compassionate support.
Mesothelioma Second Opinion FAQs
Will my mesothelioma doctor be offended if I get a second opinion?
No. Top doctors know that mesothelioma is a very rare cancer that can be hard to diagnose. They will understand if you want to get a second opinion and may even encourage getting one.
Consider that the world’s top mesothelioma specialists tend to work on multidisciplinary teams. Even the “best of the best” doctors have to rely on the advice and expertise of a range of experts when diagnosing and treating mesothelioma.
Ultimately, it’s your life you’re making decisions about — and you should never feel bad about getting a second opinion.
Can mesothelioma be mistaken for something else?
Yes. Mesothelioma misdiagnoses are unfortunately common. One study found that 22.6% of pleural mesothelioma cases are misdiagnosed at first.
It’s easy to misdiagnose mesothelioma since early symptoms are vague and shared with more common health issues like other cancers, COPD, bronchitis, the flu, IBS, or Crohn’s disease.
As a result, it’s that much more important to see a specialist and get the right diagnosis and treatment for your situation.
Does insurance cover second opinions for a mesothelioma diagnosis?
It depends. Insurance may cover second opinions, but it’s important to confirm with your provider beforehand to be sure.
Even if your health insurance doesn’t cover the cost of mesothelioma second opinions, there are still ways you can afford care. Reach out to our Patient Advocates for help understanding your options for compensation.
Why is getting a second opinion after a mesothelioma diagnosis important?
Getting a mesothelioma second opinion is important for a number of reasons.
- You might qualify for more treatments than you originally thought, including clinical trials.
- You’ll have more clarity on what’s going on in your body.
- Once you’ve received your second opinion, you can move forward with a treatment plan.
Work with our team to find a mesothelioma doctor who can provide a second opinion. Reach out to us at (866) 608-8933 to get started.
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