Should you seek a second opinion for metastatic bladder cancer?

A second opinion is seeking an opinion from a healthcare provider separate from the healthcare team you are currently working with. The healthcare provider who is giving a second opinion will meet with you, review your test results and medical records, and give an opinion on the next steps, such as additional tests to learn more about the diagnosis or treatment recommendations.

Second opinions can be valuable when treating cancer. Here, we look at some reasons a person living with metastatic urothelial bladder cancer might consider getting a second opinion.

Metastatic urothelial bladder cancer treatment

Metastatic cancers are cancers that began in one location in the body but have spread beyond that location. Metastatic urothelial bladder cancer is cancer that began in the tissue that lines the bladder, but has spread to other parts of the body, such as lymph nodes, other organs, or bones. In terms of staging, metastatic urothelial bladder cancer is a stage IV cancer.

Because metastatic urothelial bladder cancer has spread to other parts of the body, treatment will typically involve systemic therapies, cancer drugs that act on cancer cells throughout the body. This can include a combination of immunotherapy, chemotherapy, antibody drug conjugates, or other types of cancer drugs.

Treatment can be a multi-step process, and it may also involve surgery and radiation therapy. Everyone’s treatment plan will be a bit different.

Reasons to seek a second opinion

Different people will have different reasons for wanting or needing a second opinion.

Some people will need a second opinion if there are unanswered questions about a diagnosis or if they’ve had difficulty communicating with a healthcare team. Some insurance providers may also require a second opinion.

Some may seek second opinions after encouragement from friends, loved ones, or people they’ve met through support groups. Some will want a second opinion because it can provide more information about a diagnosis that can feel overwhelming.

You may want to consider that:

• Metastatic bladder cancer is relatively uncommon, and experience with this type of diagnosis will vary between different healthcare teams.
• Treatment options have evolved significantly in recent years, and some healthcare teams may be more experienced with newer treatment options.
• Additional reviews can offer more insight to pathology reports and other test results that guide treatment.
• Communication strategies also vary between different healthcare teams, and you may work better with certain providers than others.
• Treatment decisions can be difficult, and a second opinion can help you make a decision with greater confidence.
• Side effects from treatment can be concerning, and it can help to hear about other potential treatment options.

How to get a second opinion

If you’ve decided to seek a second opinion for metastatic urothelial bladder cancer, your next step will be finding a healthcare provider.

• A good place to start is by talking to your current healthcare team. Your oncologist or oncology social worker may be able to provide a list of other providers that you can work with.
• You can also search for a different healthcare provider through your health insurance company.
• Friends, family members, and support groups can also be a source of information when looking for a provider.
• You’ll need copies of test results, medical records, and any treatments you’ve been prescribed. Your current healthcare team can provide this information.
• Prepare for your appointment by making a list of concerns, questions, and topics you want to discuss with the healthcare provider where you are getting a second opinion.

How will your oncologist feel about a second opinion?

You want to have a good working relationship with your healthcare team, and it’s normal to wonder if getting a second opinion will offend your current healthcare team. Do not let this discourage you from seeking a second opinion. Not only are second opinions common, your healthcare team’s ultimate goal should be providing you with the best care possible, and a second opinion can often be helpful in achieving this goal.