Why Get a Second Opinion?

The classification of specific tumor types has become increasingly complex and may be challenging in specific cases. A second opinion may provide additional information that will better inform patient care.

Second opinions are issued by pathologists with subspecialty expertise (for example, neuropathologists in the case of brain tumors), and the evaluation may be performed by examination of the tumor slides and samples without the need to see the patient.

Types of questions that pathologists address in our second opinions:

Cancer or Benign?   

In some cases, it can be very difficult to be sure if a brain is benign or malignant, or if the biopsy shows any tumor at all. Treatment and prognosis hinge upon this crucial distinction.

Many brain tumors are relatively rare and proper diagnosis requires extensive experience in the evaluation of brain biopsies. Only a pathologist can make these diagnoses.

Types of Brain Tumors   

A second opinion may offer clues about proper classification of specific brain tumors, which directly impacts treatment options.

Molecular Testing   

Additional molecular testing may be performed as part of a second opinion, yielding more accurate information that may be used in establishing prognosis and opening the way for additional treatment options.

How to Get a Second Opinion

Our team at Johns Hopkins has a dedicated service to interpretation of brain tumors and render second opinions on a daily basis. To learn more about how to get a Neuropathology second opinion, please visit our Neuropathology Division second opinions website.