The examination of bone cancer cells under a microscope is a difficult science. Pathologists who do not see sarcoma on a regular basis may not be able to distinguish one subtype from another, or may miss details that are key to a proper diagnosis.
If your tumor was not diagnosed at a sarcoma center, or if there is any doubt about your diagnosis, here are instructions about obtaining a second opinion on your pathology slides. These instructions are for one of the top bone tumor pathologists, but they could be used for any pathologist of your choice.Officially tell your doctor and give him a letter requesting that you want a second opinion on your pathology. Don't be shy. He is not going to take it personally, since he didn't do the pathology on you.
You have a right to and are entitled to a second opinion!
In the letter, state that you want Dr. Krishnan Unni, (or Dr. Carrie Inwards, if he is not available) to do the second opinion. This is their contact info for your doctor:
KK Unni Mayo Medical Laboratories
Attention: Pathology Dept.
200 First St. S.W.
Rochester, Minnesota 55905
The phone number is (507) 284-1193 in case your doctor wants to call for more information.
The actual process that needs to be done for the second opinion is the following:
Your doctor will need to notify the pathologist who looked at your tumor slides, and ask them to send for the second opinion.
Then, your pathologist needs to writes a cover letter asking for second the second opinion. (sometimes your surgeon will include one too.)
It should be sent 1st class mail or by Fedex or UPS.
This letter should NOT go out alone. It needs to be included WITH the slides, and must include any pre-operative films (x-rays, CT, and/or MRI) or the CD of same. Also include the original pathology report(s).
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Another excellent sarcoma pathologist is
Dr. Sharon Weiss. There is a
form to use when requesting her opinion on pathology.
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