Second Opinion On Cancer Treatment

Second Opinion On Cancer Treatment-Second Chance In Life

By Dr. Manoj Dongare Latest Blogs

Did you know that seeking a second opinion from an experienced cancer specialist in Pune could be the key to unlocking more effective cancer treatment options? When you are diagnosed with cancer and researching about the treatment options then you must take a second opinion for your treatment for better treatment options. On this Page, the Best Cancer Specialist in Pune – Dr. Manoj Dongare explores the benefits of seeking a second opinion and how it can help you make the best choices for your health. Dr. Manoj Dongare at Cloverleaf Speciality Clinic and Dr. DY Patil Hospital and Research Center provide second opinions for people who have cancer or suspect they might. This includes people who:

  • Have not yet been diagnosed with cancer but have an abnormal result.
  • Are newly diagnosed with cancer.
  • May have already started treatment.

Whether you have been diagnosed with a more common cancer like lung cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, or colon cancer, or a more rare type like sarcoma, there is value in getting a second opinion. Dr. Manoj Dongare is one of the best Cancer Surgeons in Pune and has treated more than 5000+ Cancer Patients to date and provides better care with advanced treatments. He will explore why a second opinion can be a “second chance” for many cancer patients.

Why Get A Second Opinion on Cancer Treatment?

There are several reasons why second opinion matters in cancer. Here are a few reasons why patients must get a second opinion if they have been diagnosed with cancer.

  1. Getting a second opinion is every patient’s right: As a patient, you have the right to seek a second medical opinion so that you are more familiar with your medical condition and feel more comfortable and aware of your treatment plan.
  2. You do not understand completely about your condition: Most patients want to get a second opinion to confirm the initial diagnosis or because they do not understand all the facts about their diagnosis.
  3. Gives you more choices: A different panel of oncologists may have different opinions on your cancer and its course of treatment than your initial doctor. This provides you with more therapy options and benefits you choose how you want to proceed with your cancer treatment.
  4. Cancer is a highly misdiagnosed disease: It has been found that at least 10%–20% of cancer cases get misdiagnosed, and of these cases, at least 28% of misdiagnoses are life-threatening. Therefore, when it comes to cancer, second opinions, talking to specialists, and getting regular scans can be life-saving.
  5. Cancer may be diagnosed at later steps: The earlier the cancer is noticed, the better the possibilities of successful treatment. However, often, a doctor may skip the changes in patients’ scans or overlook cancer signs. Sometimes a pathologist may overlook cancer markers. As a result, if you believe you have been experiencing symptoms that you are unsure about but have been told everything is fine, do not be afraid to seek another opinion.
  6. Rare Type of Cancer: There are several types of cancer. The therapy for rare cancer may be more problematic. Therefore, if you have been diagnosed with a rare type of Cancer and you want to look for a second opinion from an oncologist who specializes in those types of cancer, you must. Also, cancer care is frequently collaborative; your doctor may consult with other specialists and discuss your treatment options.
  7. If you are not comfortable with your current doctor: It is fine and even suggested to change your doctor if you are not comfortable with him/her. Cancer treatment requires the patient to be confident and believe in their therapy plan. So you must get a second opinion and go to a doctor who makes you satisfied and aware of your situation.
  8. You want to see a specialist: Different oncologists may specialize in different types of cancer. So, if your current oncologist does not specialize in cancer that you have been diagnosed with, go for a second opinion from someone who does. This will assist you in understanding critical information regarding your cancer diagnosis and treatment options.
  9. There are different courses of therapy prescribed: There are various cancer treatments. Going to different doctors at the Best Cancer Treatment in Pune can help you decide which is the most recommended treatment for your specific case. This allows you to cut through the uncertainty and select a treatment plan that you are more confident in and comfortable with.
  10. Your insurance company requires you to do so: Many times, insurance companies may require you to get a second opinion to avail of your insurance. So, in this case, you will have to get a second opinion.
  11. To get some peace of mind: The most important objective of getting a second opinion is that you get some peace of mind. As taxing as a cancer diagnosis may be on your physical and mental health, knowing your condition completely, talking to various doctors, and being confident in your choices can help you fight cancer more strongly and with a good attitude. And sometimes that’s all that you need.

When is the best time to get a second opinion?

You can seek a second opinion at any moment during the cancer treatment process, including before chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation. However, it is advisable to get a second opinion as soon as possible after receiving a diagnosis and before beginning therapy. This is because a second opinion can provide new information regarding the diagnosis, suggest other treatment options, and change the course of your treatment. You may need about a few days to get a second opinion. Usually, this delay will not impact your therapy, but to be sure, confirm with your Cancer Specialist if it is all right to delay the treatment till you can get another opinion. A more scientific and informed treatment strategy is worth a few days of delay since it gives you the highest chance of recovering from cancer.

How To Schedule For Your Appointment When Seeking A Second Opinion?

  • Decide your objective before the appointment
  • Make a note of your symptoms and any treatment you’ve already had
  • Jotting down your queries.
  • Take all the relevant medical information you might have about your condition

In the journey through cancer treatment, seeking a second opinion is not a sign of distrust or disloyalty towards your primary oncologist. Instead, it’s a proactive step towards ensuring the best possible outcome for your health and well-being. It offers a second chance in life—a chance to explore all available options, make informed decisions, and reclaim control over your destiny. So, if you or a loved one is facing a cancer diagnosis, remember that a second opinion could be the lifeline you need to navigate this challenging terrain with resilience, hope, and dignity. Talk with Dr. Manoj Dongare about your concerns. You don’t need to worry about offending your provider. Most cancer specialists encourage patients to seek other opinions.

Dr. Manoj Dongare is Liver Cancer Surgeon in Pune and He can help you navigate the process to get a second opinion. Call 09881379573 or Book An Appointment to get started.

About Dr. Manoj Dongare

Dr. Manoj Dongare is currently working at Dr. D.Y. Patil Hospital and research center, Pimpri as a Senior Consultant in HPB & Liver Transplantation and Assistant Professor in Surgical Oncology. He is one of the best Liver Transplant and HPB surgeons in PCMC and Pune. He has more than 16 years of experience in the field of Liver transplants, HPB Surgeries, and surgical oncology. Dr. Manoj Dongare has completed his 3 years Surgical oncology Residency at Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai. He also did a 6-month fellowship in Gynecological Oncology at center Oscar Lambret, Lille, France. He then Practiced as a consultant in Surgical Oncology in Aurangabad for 5 Years. He then worked as a Fellow in HPB and Liver Transplantation at Kings College Hospital, London for a year and then spent another year at St. James Hospital, Leeds UK. He then moved to Delhi and worked as a Consultant in Liver Transplantation at Max Hospital Saket, Delhi for almost a year.

He has a Special Interest in Complex HPB Surgery, Cadaveric, and Living Donor Liver Transplantation, and Surgical Oncology. He has been actively involved in over 600 liver Transplants, 300 Pancreatic Resections (including portal vein resections, Post chemoradiation), and 400 liver resections for colorectal metastasis and HCCs, Extended hepatectomies +/- Vascular resections for cholangiocarcinomas, 2 stage hepatectomies, and ALPPS and over 2000 cancer surgeries.