A Second Pathologist's Opinion Changes the Pathological Diagnosis in More Than %10 of Breast Cancer Patients, Even at Advanced Centers

New studies conducted every day reveal how important a second opinion is for delivering the most effective cancer treatment. In the study discussed today, over 1 year, pathology reports on tumors from 1970 breast cancer patients were compared with the final pathology reports issued after a second review. The study found important differences, termed discrepancies affecting treatment, in more than %10 of patients.

The most important areas in which differences were identified after a second examination of breast tumor tissue samples were histological category (66 cases, 33%) and biomarker reporting (50 cases, 25%). The most problematic diagnostic categories were intraductal lesions, lobular carcinoma, metaplastic carcinoma and phyllodes tumors. The largest differences in the biomarker profile category involved interpretation; however, in 20% of discordant cases, the findings were supported by repeating immunohistochemical analyses.

The Results Show That a Second Opinion Is Important for Delivering the Most Effective Treatment for Patients.

The study results highlighted a second opinion as a way of ensuring the clarity of critical diagnostic information when the pathology report is finalized. This can ensure that the necessary effective treatment is administered.

Another important point is that, when findings are found to change on a second review, the pathologist should report them without making it a matter of pride, as a second opinion . It should be understood that reviewing findings that are difficult to interpret in pathology is entirely normal. The clear results obtained are important enough to lead to changes in a patient's treatment.

In summary, studies like this are increasing every day, and the importance of second opinions in cancer treatment is becoming better understood. Remember, cancer does not develop in one or two weeks, and there is always time to obtain a second opinion. Changes in the diagnosis after a second opinion should be interpreted and reported.