Second opinions in Sarcoma Diagnosis and Treatment
Dr. Richard Gorlick: When a patient is diagnosed with a sarcoma, I generally recommend that the patient get a second opinion. I think a second opinion, as long as it can be accomplished quickly and it doesn't delay markedly the initiation of therapy, serves a number of advantages. And some of the advantages are:
- It allows other physicians to confirm the diagnosis.
- It allows other physicians to review the treatment plan to make sure it is most appropriate and that what the treating physiicans are recommending is similar to what they would recommend.
- And finally, perhaps most importantly, I think it increases the patient and their family's confidence that the course they are taking and embarking upon, which will frequently be difficult, is the right one.
I think it's important to be comfortable and gather as much information as possible. And I think all this helps you get through the treament and ensure that the best care is received and the best treatment [is received].