Should you seek a second opinion for a glioma diagnosis?

In cancer treatment, a second opinion is when a person consults with a healthcare provider other than the healthcare provider they are currently working with. The goal of a second opinion is to have an additional healthcare provider evaluate a current diagnosis, existing test results, and give a professional opinion on the next steps in treatment.

Getting a second opinion can be valuable when diagnosed with glioma, a type of tumor that originates in the tissues of the brain (or sometimes, the tissues of the spinal cord). Gliomas are complex conditions that require a person to work with a multidisciplinary team of different healthcare providers.

Individualized treatment

Treatment for glioma is individualized, and treatment recommendations will vary from one person to the next. Surgery is typically the first step in treatment. This can include surgery to remove the entire glioma, surgery to remove as much of the glioma as safely possible, or a procedure to take a tissue sample from the glioma (if surgery is not possible).

After surgery, the tumor or tissue sample will be examined in a lab using a microscope, which will give your healthcare team a detailed look at the cancer—and what next steps in treatment are recommended. The removal of a tumor or sample for testing is called a biopsy. Following a biopsy, treatment for glioma may include a combination of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapy.

Reasons to seek a second opinion

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a glioma, here are some reasons you may consider seeking a second opinion:

• There are unanswered questions about your diagnosis.
• You want a different perspective on your diagnosis and your treatment options.
• You want to consult healthcare providers who have more experience in treating the type of glioma you have.
• You are interested in a different approach to treatment and want to consult with a healthcare team who has experience with that approach to treatment.
• You have experienced a relapse after being treated for glioma.
• You are having a difficult time communicating with your current healthcare team.
• You feel that your concerns about the glioma are not being taken seriously. For example, concerns about the risk of recurrence, risks associated with surgery, or the risk of side effects from recommended treatments.
• Your friends and loved ones think that seeking a second opinion is a good idea.

How to seek a second opinion

If you’ve decided to seek a second opinion, here are some steps to help you get started:

• Talk to your current healthcare team and tell them that you would like to get a second opinion. Explain your reasons why and ask if they are able to supply a referral or a recommendation.
• Don’t be concerned about upsetting or offending your current healthcare team. Second opinions are common, and something most healthcare providers will be familiar with.
• If you are not comfortable speaking with your providers, consider talking to an oncology social worker. Oncology social workers are on staff at many hospitals and cancer treatment centers, and they are trained to help people with cancer navigate the many different aspects of treatment.
• Contact your insurance provider. Your insurance provider can tell you if and when second opinions are covered, if you need preauthorization, what out-of-pocket expenses you will be responsible for, and what specialists are in-network.
• Local medical centers, support groups for people with brain tumors, and patient advocacy groups are other places where you can source a recommendation for specialists that treat glioma.
• You will want a healthcare provider who is experienced and qualified in treating glioma. You may need to research healthcare teams or contact offices to find out if a provider has the training and experience you are looking for.
• Second opinions will often start with a review of test results, reports, and current or recommended treatments. Your current healthcare team will be able to help you gather this information.
• Prepare a list of questions and topics you want to discuss with the healthcare provider giving the second opinion, including your reasons for seeking a second opinion.

The decision about what healthcare team to work with is ultimately up to you. Even if you decide to continue to work with your current healthcare team, a second opinion can give you peace of mind and more information about your diagnosis.