My Doctor Says I Have a Terminal Illness. Should I Get a Second Opinion?

Although it’s not always necessary to get a second opinion, most experts agree that it is often a good idea. Even doctors who have a great deal of experience can be wrong about a diagnosis. According to one study from 2017, about one in five patients who went to Mayo Clinic for a second opinion left with a completely different diagnosis, and over 60% had their diagnosis corrected in some way.

Another small study that looked at 70 cancer patients who sought a second opinion from a National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center found that 43% of their diagnoses changed. This doesn’t mean the original doctor was incompetent, experts say. It simply points to the reality that diagnosing a serious illness can be complicated, and seeking a second opinion can make a big difference in getting the right care. Certainly, if the first doctor says the illness is terminal, it’s worth making sure they are right. 

Misdiagnosis of a serious illness can also lead to significant harm. According to a 2019 analysis of 11,000 malpractice claims reported in the journal Diagnosis, between 40,000 and 80,000 patients in the U.S. die every year because their medical diagnosis was incorrect. An additional 80,000 to 160,000 persons may suffer severe injury to their health as a result of an incorrect diagnosis, the study found. 

Finding the Best Treatment Options

A second opinion can also be helpful in identifying the best treatment strategy. Even the most competent doctors are not always informed about the latest research, especially if their experience with a particular diagnosis is limited. Further, not every healthcare provider is equipped to offer every option. “Some treatments — particularly clinical trials — may not be offered at every center,” said Dr. Anees Chagpar, MD, MBA, MPH, a breast surgeon at Yale Medicine. “So, while patients may find that two centers offer the same diagnosis and treatment, this is not always the case.”

A second opinion is particularly crucial when you feel unsure about any aspect of the diagnosis you’ve been given or the proposed treatment plan. Specifically, you should ask for a second opinion when you’ve been told you have a life-limiting illness and in the following circumstances:

• You or your doctor are unsure about the diagnosis
• You’ve been diagnosed with a rare condition
• You have several medical problems
• The proposed treatment is experimental, risky or controversial
• You’re concerned about treatment side effects
• You’re not responding to treatment as expected
• You have a choice between treatment options that vary greatly in cost
• You want to explore other treatment options
• Your health insurer requires one

Remember, this is your body and your life, so don’t be shy about asking your doctor for a referral to another specialist who’s familiar with your disease. Any competent doctor will respect your desire to make informed decisions about your care. 

Sources

“Misdiagnosis of the ‘big three’ results in ‘serious harm” . Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325811#The-big-three

“Can a Second Opinion Make a Difference?” Yale Medicine. https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/second-opinions