When can a second oncology opinion help?VienaMed
How to choose the appropriate oncologic treatment?
Receiving a diagnosis of cancer brings many questions. One of the most important questions is: What’s the right treatment for me?
In oncology, however, there is no universal treatment. Even two people diagnosed with the same type of cancer may have different therapeutic recommendations.
The choice of treatment depends on the characteristics of the disease, on the patient’s condition and, in certain situations, on the molecular particularities of the tumor. That is why proper diagnosis and full assessment of the case are essential steps before starting therapy.
Why can the same type of cancer be treated differently?
Diagnosis is just the starting point. In order to establish a therapeutic strategy, doctors analyze more information.
These may include:
- the exact type and subtype of tumour;
- the stage of the disease and its extension;
- location and size of the tumor;
- the anatomopathological result;
- certain molecular characteristics and tumour biomarkers;
- previous treatments;
- age and general health status;
- other existing conditions;
- the benefits and risks of different therapeutic variants;
- treatment goal.
In certain types of cancer, biomarker testing can provide important information about tumour behaviour and help doctors identify therapies that an individual patient could benefit from.
That’s why modern oncology is moving more and more towards personalised treatment, based on the characteristics of each case.
The correct diagnosis is the first step
There should be as much certainty about the diagnosis as possible before the choice of treatment.
Depending on the situation, the assessment may include:
- histopathological examination of the biopsy;
- immunohistochemistry;
- laboratory tests;
- CT, MRI, PET-CT or other imaging investigations;
- genetic or molecular tests;
- the determination of specific biomarkers.
Sometimes it can be necessary and re-evaluation of biopsy or imaging investigations, especially before an important therapeutic decision.
A more accurate diagnosis allows doctors to better determine the available options.
What treatments can be recommended?
The oncology strategy may require a single treatment or combination of therapies.
Surgery
It may be intended to remove the tumor and, where necessary, nearby tissues or nodes.
Chemotherapy
It uses medicines to destroy or control cancer cells and can be given before or after surgery or at other stages of the disease.
Radiotherapy
It uses radiation to treat the tumor and can be used independently or together with surgery or medication.
Immunotherapy
It is designed to help the immune system recognize and combat tumour cells. It is not indicated for all types of cancer and for all patients.
Target therapies
It acts on certain molecular characteristics of tumour cells. For some of these treatments it is necessary to identify in advance specific biomarkers.
Hormone therapy
It is used in certain hormone-sensitive cancers, such as some forms of breast or prostate cancer.
In many cases, the optimal result involves combining several methods of treatment in a given order.
Why is the multidisciplinary team important?
Cancer is a complex disease, and the choice of treatment does not always belong to one speciality.
A case may require collaboration between:
- medical oncologist;
- oncologist;
- radiotherapist;
- anatomopathologist;
- radiologist;
- nuclear medicine specialist;
- geneticist or molecular diagnostic specialist;
- other specialists, depending on the location of the tumor.
In a multidisciplinary assessment, the information shall be analysed together to establish the appropriate therapeutic strategy for the case.
This approach becomes particularly important when more than one treatment is available or when the optimal order of treatment needs to be established.
How important is the choice of oncologist?
The relationship between the patient and the physician has an important role throughout the course of treatment.
In addition to the doctor’s experience in treating that type of cancer, the patient should be able to receive clear answers to questions such as:
What’s the exact diagnosis?
How far is the disease?
What choice of treatment is there?
Why is this option recommended?
What are the benefits and risks?
Are there any alternatives?
Are further tests or molecular tests necessary?
Is my case suitable for targeted therapy or immunotherapy?
Should the case be examined in a multidisciplinary committee?
An informed patient can better understand available options and participate in decisions on their own treatment.
When can a second oncology be useful?
A second opinion does not necessarily mean that the first diagnosis or the first doctor is wrong.
Another specialist can confirm the original plan or identify options worth discussing.
O second medical opinion may be considered in particular:
- after a recent oncological diagnosis;
- prior to major surgery;
- before a complex treatment is started;
- where there are more than one therapeutic variant;
- in the event of a relapse;
- if the disease has progressed during treatment;
- when the patient wants to know if there are other options.
For evaluation, available medical documents are important: anatomopathological results, imaging investigations, analyses, medical reports and information about previous treatments.
Also read guide on the second medical opinion and Modern oncology and second medical opinion.
The second oncological opinion in Vienna via VienaMed
When there is an oncological diagnosis, time is important, but equally important is the choice of a well-founded therapeutic strategy.
VienaMed facilitates access of Romanian patients to doctors and medical centers in Vienna, for assessing the case and obtaining a second medical opinion.
Depending on the situation, medical documents can be analysed to clarify the diagnosis and treatment variants available.
VienaMed can provide support for:
- identification of the appropriate specialist for the type of cancer;
- scheduling consultations and investigations;
- the transmission and organisation of medical documents;
- obtaining a second opinion;
- investigations and treatment in Vienna;
- translation and medical communication;
- organisation of the necessary steps during the journey.
The aim is for the patient to better understand the diagnosis and options available prior to an important treatment decision.
You got an oncology diagnosis and you want a second opinion?
If you have been diagnosed with cancer or have already received a treatment recommendation and you want the medical records to be evaluated by specialists in Vienna, you can contact the VienaMed team.
An oncological diagnosis requires more than the choice of a treatment. It requires a precise diagnosis, medical experience and a strategy adapted to each patient.
The information set out in this Article shall be general and informative and shall not replace the consultation, diagnosis or recommendation of a specialist doctor.