Is it a good idea to get a second opinion on the pathology results?

Yes, a second opinion from a pathologist can be extremely valuable. The pathologist is the doctor who specializes in reading and interpreting lab results, while an oncologist is the doctor who treats the diagnosed cancer. So it's important to feel confident that the original diagnosis was made correctly, particularly if there's any question about the interpretation of the biopsy or lab results, or if there's more than one possible plan of action.

Pathologists aren't infallible in interpreting lab results, and a second opinion is the most effective way for patients to uncover and correct errors that might result in an incorrect diagnosis. Because the treatment plan depends on the kind of cancer and how far it has spread, the interpretation of the pathology dramatically affects treatment and prognosis.

How do I get a second opinion from a pathologist?

Start by obtaining a copy of the pathology report and cell slides from the doctor, and then seek out pathologists who specialize in the type of cancer the doctor thinks the patient has.

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.