Second opinion?

askingforafriend

Hi all-

I received my pathology report a few days ago. 2.2cm clear cell carcinoma of the R kidney removed via partial nephrectomy. Grade 2 and pT3a. I was told on the report that the margins are not clear and that cells have spread to a segmental branch of the renal vein.

My doctor told me he feels very confident that they got everything during my surgery, and he says that no further treatment is needed at this time. I am basically just supposed to wait until my 6 month follow up scan to make sure that nothing comes back.

I am very new to all of this. My doctor is very experienced and I really do like him, but someone asked me if I was going to get a second opinion just in case. I hadn't even considered this. Did you guys get second opinions on your pathology reports/courses of treatment? I don't even know where to begin or if this is standard practice.

Any advice would be appreciated :)

po18guy

Sorry to hear this. A second opinion is why I am posting this. Do not fear offending any doctor- it's your life! If you are in the US, I would go to a National Cancer Institute designated comprehensive cancer center. They perform research, employ the best and brightest, and have the greatest body of medical knowledge. If need be, find the nearest center here:

https://www.cancer.gov/research/infrastructure/cancer-centers/find

askingforafriend

https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1693417#Comment_1693417

Thank you so much. I feel like anyone who doesn’t have clear margins should probably seek a second opinion just in case, right?

po18guy

Seek a second opinion only if you love life!

askingforafriend

https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1693443#Comment_1693443

:D

Max Former Hodgkins Stage 3

https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/324758/second-opinion

Asking,

Are you enquiring about a lymphoma ? It is fine if not, but be aware that there is a Renal/Kidney Board also, which might have more insight regarding these particulars. But the general advice to seek out a second opinion is sound, regardless of the cancer type.

askingforafriend

https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1693458#Comment_1693458

yes- I’m sorry! I posted this in the wrong spot and couldn’t figure out how to delete it. I posted it on the kidney page. I appreciate the responses though!