MD Anderson at Cooper’s Gynecologic Cancer Team: (L-R) Jacqueline Marzan, APN; Lauren Krill, MD; David P. Warshal, MD; Meredith Crisp Duffy, MD; Rebecca Semanoff, APN; James K. Aikins Jr., MD; and Megan Mezera, MD.
If you have been diagnosed with a gynecologic cancer, getting a second opinion can be an important step, with both clinical and emotional benefits.
“Many people feel overwhelmed when they receive their cancer diagnosis and often want to start treatment immediately,” says Meredith Crisp Duffy, MD, Gynecologic Oncologist at MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper. “In most cases, however, there’s time to do some research to make sure your diagnosis is correct and the treatment plan you have been given makes sense—and this may include getting a second opinion.”
“Getting a second opinion at MD Anderson at Cooper means having a team of specialists review your medical reports and test results, give an opinion about your diagnosis, and suggest treatment options,” says Lauren Krill, MD, Gynecologic Oncologist at MD Anderson at Cooper.
The MD Anderson at Cooper gynecologic cancer team is the largest and most experienced in the region.
Gynecologic cancers, such as ovarian, cervical, uterine (endometrial), and others are complex diseases, and patients with gynecologic cancers are best served at academic medical centers and cancer centers that care for a large number of cancer patients.
“A second opinion, particularly at an academic medical center, may even offer patients treatment options that might not be available with their current cancer care provider,” says Dr. Krill. “For example, there might be an opportunity to take part in a clinical trial for a promising new drug therapy—something that simply isn’t available at other hospitals.”
Dr. Duffy noted the important benefits of a second opinion.
“A second opinion can confirm the plan the patient’s original doctor proposed, or it may point to a slightly different plan, or sometimes a very different plan,” says Dr. Duffy. “A second opinion can provide a patient with answers, options, and reassurance.”
What about patients who are anxious to start treatment and don’t want to take the time to obtain a second opinion?
“At MD Anderson at Cooper we can usually schedule a consultation with one of our specialists within 24 to 48 hours—not just for gynecologic cancers, but for any type of cancer.”
To learn more about the MD Anderson at Cooper Second Opinion Program, call 855.MDA.COOPER (855.632.2667).