Should I get a second opinion from another surgeon?

If the oncologist has referred you to a particular surgeon, you'll want to check out that surgeon's credentials and, if possible, interview him or her. Whether you accept that surgeon depends on the type of breast cancer and how common the indicated surgical procedure is. If the cancer is in the early stage and the advised procedure is common, it may not be necessary to get a second opinion or to look for a specialist. However, if the cancer has spread to other organs, it's a good idea to look for a surgeon who has extensive experience performing that specific type of surgery.