Many health professionals recommend that people who have been diagnosed with bladder cancer seek a second opinion from a different doctor. Not only do second opinions help provide reassurance, but they can also reveal new treatment options that your care team hadn’t considered before.
Getting a second or even a third opinion doesn’t necessarily mean that you don’t trust the expertise of your physician. It’s simply a way for you to gather as much information as possible so that you can make the best decisions for your own health.
Why are second opinions useful for bladder cancer?
Bladder cancer is a complex disease with numerous subtypes, risk factors and therapeutic options. Treatment should involve a multidisciplinary care team that understands the multifaceted nature of bladder cancer.
Whether you’ve just been diagnosed or have already undergone treatment, it’s never too late to think about seeking a second opinion to ensure you’re receiving the best care.
Reviewing tumor pathology
In a 2018 study of 246 bladder biopsy samples, a review from a second pathologist altered the diagnosis in 37% of cases. Similarly, a 2024 study of 272 samples found that 39% of cases had major discordance between the first and second reviews.
These changes have the potential to reverse diagnosis, alter staging and lead to changes in clinical management. Therefore, requesting an expert second opinion after receiving your pathology report can be critical.
Read more about bladder cancer testing and diagnosis
Surgery and treatment considerations
Many patients with bladder cancer must undergo surgery. However, the type and extent of the surgery can vary from tumor removal to full bladder removal.
In general, more advanced forms of bladder cancer require more invasive surgery, so making sure you have the correct diagnosis before moving forward with the procedure is essential.
Besides surgery, treatment consists of chemotherapy, radiation or immunotherapy, as well as certain targeted treatments. Again, different physicians may lay out different treatment plans for you, so it can be helpful to gather multiple opinions and weigh the pros and cons of each option.
Steps for seeking a second opinion
The first step in seeking a second opinion often involves meeting with your current doctor to discuss your case and gather all of your relevant records, such as pathology reports, surgery records and a list of your current medications.
Don’t be afraid to tell your doctor that you’re thinking about seeking a second opinion. In most cases, they, too, understand the value of talking to multiple experts. They might also be able to offer names of other physicians with whom you may wish to speak.
Then, you can take your doctor’s recommendation or do some research on your own to decide who to talk to next. Many major hospitals have designated experts in providing second opinions. A few options include:
These programs offer a combination of in-person and virtual consultation options.
At your appointment, you may wish to take notes or bring a family member or friend to make sure you remember everything you discuss. You can also ask permission to record the conversation.
Making a decision
After your visit, you’ll likely have a lot of information to sort through, which can feel overwhelming. Be sure to take your time going through everything, and ask for support if you need it. If you’d like, you can also discuss any discrepancies with both doctors to help you make your decision.
Sign up here to get the latest news, perspectives, and information about bladder cancer sent directly to your inbox. Registration is free and only takes a minute.