How do I get a second opinion from a pathologist?

Start by obtaining a copy of the pathology report and cell slides from your doctor, and then seek out pathologists who specialize in the type of cancer the doctor has diagnosed. There are a number of renowned cancer institutes that offer pathology services nationwide. One of the most respected is the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, in Washington, D.C., which offers the most advanced diagnostic and imaging techniques. Other pathology services are available at major cancer centers such as Dana Farber, in Boston, and the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, run by the University of Texas in Houston. You might even want to send the slides to more than one pathologist. Usually, the more information you have, the better off you are. If a pathologist doesn't agree with the original interpretation, she can perform additional studies to confirm or correct the original diagnosis.One caveat, however: If the oncologist tells you that the cancer is aggressive and there's no time to waste, it may be a mistake to delay while waiting to obtain a second opinion. There's nothing more disheartening than consulting a specialist who finds new cell growth that has occurred since the original tests were performed.