5 conditions that call for a medical second opinion | bestdoctor.com
TRANSCRIPT
Conditions that require second
opinion are usually complicated or
are poorly understood. Seeking a
second opinion from a doctor who
specializes in the condition helps
you to have a better
understanding of your condition,
removes doubts, confusions and
queries from your mind, helps you
to weigh the pros and cons of the
available treatment options and
finally helps you to make informed
and educated decision about the
treatment that is best for you.
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conditions-that-call-for-a-second-
medical-opinion/
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If a patient has been diagnosed with an unusual cancer or if the doctor
has confusion whether it is truly cancer then a second opinion from a
pathologist who has expertise in this field is the best way to determine the
condition and decide upon the best treatment. There are certain kinds of
tumors that are difficult to diagnose. For example, sarcomas – it is an
uncommon cancer of the soft tissues such as fat or muscles and it can be
complex to identify or classify.
1. Rare or “Difficult-To-Diagnose” Cancers
Heart patients who have been suggested any invasive heart procedure
as the only mode of treatment should opt for a second opinion.
According to David L. Rutlen, MD, vice chairman of ambulatory programs
at the Froedtert and Medical College of Wisconsin, a patient who has
been advised to have an open heart surgery or a coronary intervention or
a catheterization should seek a second opinion to ensure if they really
need it.
2. Heart Procedures
According to Executive Director Robin Elliott of the Parkinson’s disease
Foundation, “Parkinson’s is one of the most difficult diseases to diagnose.
There’s no blood test, X-ray, or instrument that would give you an answer,”
Diagnosis of this neurological disorder depends on a collection of features
which makes it difficult to diagnose in the early stages. Parkinson’s disease
is marked by slow movement, tremors, muscle stiffness and loss of balance
in the patient.
3. Parkinson’s Disease
ADHD (attention hyperactivity disorder) can be difficult to diagnose
because there are not specific lab tests for this condition. The diagnosis
mainly depends on the doctor’s judgment. He may diagnose ADHD by
studying the symptoms shown by the child-hyperactivity, inattention,
impulsivity, etc. in different settings, such as in the school and at home.
4. ADHD in Children below 6 Years of Age
Primary care physicians can diagnose cases of depression, but sometimes
a second opinion is recommended if the patient’s condition does not
improve even after treatment consisting of antidepressants or if the
treatment shows adverse effects. This may be a case of Bipolar disorder,
where the patient should seek psychiatric second opinion.
5. Depression and Bipolar Disorder