Diagnosis - Do You Need a Second Opinion?

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After being diagnosed with cancer (or any serious illness), it may at first come as a big shock to the system, and even something that maybe hard to digest at first. What if the diagnosis is wrong? Could be one of the first questions that comes to mind, and something that must be clarified to settle any such doubt.

Sometimes, even though evidence has been demonstrated to the presence of a disease, there could still be some room for doubt within the mind. At this stage - a decision must be made as to either accept the information given by the doctor so as a quick treatment plan may be put in place, or to seek a second opinion.

However, serious thought should be given before any such action is taken. For example:

• Can you afford more diagnosis tests?
• Will your insurance company pay for them?
• If the initial diagnosis is found to be correct - Will you be able to return to the place where you were given the initial diagnosis, for treatment?

In most cases, with any such diagnosis for serious illnesses like cancer, there is usually little room for doubt. That is to say - 99.9% of cancer diagnosis' are usually correct. However, mistakes can be made for whatever reason (a fact of life), and it is on one of these occasions that a second opinion may be prudent if a doubt / s exist.

After concluding that a second opinion is the only way forward - all relevant information to the case should be requested from your doctor (some medical institutions may be related to pass-on such information - investigate your legal rights as to request any such information [different States, and countries may have different laws]).

Did you sign anything before such diagnostic investigation took place? Did you read it first? - things that could change your rights.

At this point (armed with such information relevant to the case), an appointment should be made as soon as possible with a newly chosen doctor so as to allow for the first stages of any such further opinion to take place (further studies may well be Ordered by the new doctor, or you may be referred back to your first doctor).

Further thoughts before a second opinion should also be:

• Do you have the time? - (will your boss give you the time).
• Will it affect your work? - (taking more time off from work).
• Are you in a healthy condition to take more diagnosis?
• Is time still on your side? (Health wise).
• Are you really sure a second opinion is worth the effort, etc.

Note: It is always worth noting that it is your right as a human being to have a second opinion, whether at the same medical institution, or another one (chosen by you, or referred to by your doctor). Doubts must be clear in the mind before any battle takes place to cure cancer - as cancer must be cooked with a full fighting force so as to not only win the battle, but also to win the war.

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Source by Philip A Edmonds-Hunt

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