Written By: David Statman

Mesothelioma Second Opinions

Mesothelioma is one of the most difficult cancers to diagnose accurately. Since treatment decisions depend heavily on the correct diagnosis and staging, patients are strongly encouraged to seek a second opinion from a qualified mesothelioma specialist.

Medically reviewed for accuracy by

Dr. Stephen Williams

Precision Oncology Scientist

AI Summary of Mesothelioma Second Opinions

Receiving a second opinion for mesothelioma is an important step in understanding your diagnosis and exploring treatment options. Because mesothelioma is a rare and complex cancer, it can sometimes be misdiagnosed or staged inaccurately by general doctors who have limited experience with this disease. Consulting a specialist with extensive knowledge of mesothelioma can help confirm your initial diagnosis, ensuring it is correct and identifying the precise stage of the cancer. This can lead to better-informed decisions about your care and potentially more effective treatment strategies. A second opinion may also reveal additional therapies or clinical trials that could improve your prognosis and overall chances of survival.

Important Facts About Mesothelioma Second Opinions

A second opinion usually means consulting with a mesothelioma specialist who has extensive experience diagnosing and treating this rare disease.
A consultation from an expert can confirm or change your initial diagnosis, including the cancer type and stage.
A second opinion may reveal additional therapies or care strategies that were not considered initially, potentially improving the prognosis and life expectancy.

Why Are Mesothelioma Second Opinions Important?

Mesothelioma second opinions are critical because they can directly impact your treatment plan and overall outcome. Due to symptoms that can mimic common illnesses, mesothelioma is commonly misdiagnosed, which makes finding a mesothelioma expert essential.

The American Cancer Society identifies having a “rare or unusual cancer” as one of the most important reasons to seek a second opinion. Many doctors have little or no experience diagnosing mesothelioma, which is one of the rarest types of cancer.

Map showing the number of mesothelioma cases in the U.S. each year

Only 2,500–3,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year.

WHY SPECIALISTS ARE IMPORTANT WHEN GETTING A DIAGNOSIS

Physicians may misdiagnose mesothelioma by believing it is another disease — or stage the cancer inaccurately. Specialists are more likely to diagnose mesothelioma accurately, which is why getting a second opinion after an initial diagnosis is always recommended.

More Treatment Options

Receiving a mesothelioma diagnosis can feel overwhelming. Still, it should never prevent you or your loved one from seeking the highest level of care. An important part of the diagnostic journey is consulting with mesothelioma experts.

In most cases, the initial cancer diagnosis comes from a general oncologist. While highly trained and trustworthy most of the time, these doctors likely have little to no experience with mesothelioma. It is a very rare disease with one of the lowest incidence rates of all types of cancer.

As a result, doctors sometimes misdiagnose mesothelioma as another type of cancer or a condition with similar symptoms such as pneumonia. When this happens, effective mesothelioma treatments can be omitted or delayed.

Oncologists also can misidentify the stage of mesothelioma, believing tumors to be more or less advanced than in reality. When this occurs, patients are sometimes told they are not candidates for potentially life-saving treatments, such as surgery.

A second opinion from a mesothelioma specialist, however, may correct any mistakes from the original diagnosis. Physicians who have experience with this rare disease are often better-equipped to identify mesothelioma and the appropriate stage of the disease – or they may determine it is not mesothelioma at all.

Second opinions can provide patients with treatment opportunities that may have been initially overlooked. Discussing treatment plans with a mesothelioma specialist will help patients make more informed decisions and feel confident that every possible option has been explored.

Better Chances of Survival

Mesothelioma second opinions are vital to effectively fighting this cancer and living longer. They can open up the possibilities for life-saving surgeries, clinical trials, or other therapies. This can lead to an improved mesothelioma prognosis and longer survival.

Verifying the accurate stage of mesothelioma is a significant reason to get a second opinion. Staging is a pivotal part of determining an effective treatment plan. If your mesothelioma is in the late stages, you may receive a poor prognosis and have limited treatment options.

Many general oncologists misdiagnose the mesothelioma stage:

Chart showing 62% of second opinions led to changes in diagnosis, treatment or prognosis

A study published in ScienceDirect reported that up to 62% of second opinions led to changes in diagnosis, treatment, or prognosis.

Chart showing 13% of stage 3 and stage 4 mesothelioma cases were later downstaged to stages 1 or 2

Another study published in the Journal of Thoracic Oncology reported around 13% of stage 3 and stage 4 mesothelioma cases were later “downstaged” to stages 1 or 2 after a second review by specialists.

For instance, your experience could be similar to Alexis K., who was originally diagnosed with stage 4 peritoneal mesothelioma. A second opinion revealed a less-advanced disease than originally thought, and she underwent life-saving surgery. She has survived for more than 13 years since her diagnosis in December of 2007.

Peace of Mind

Seeking a second opinion doesn’t just impact treatment; it also helps patients feel confident in the care they are receiving. Knowing that your diagnosis and treatment plan have been confirmed (or improved) by a mesothelioma specialist can reduce stress and provide true peace of mind.

Taking an active role in the decisions about your care, treatment, and prognosis is essential. Even after a second opinion, patients should not hesitate to continue seeking further medical input if they are unsatisfied with their options. The right care team can make all the difference.

“What a huge difference a second opinion was for me,” shared pleural mesothelioma survivor Jodi Page. “I went from an absolute death sentence to a possibility of life. I was told that I had stage 2 mesothelioma (not stage 3 or 4) and that surgery was still a possibility.”

Jodi Page

Pleural Mesothelioma Survivor

Her story underscores how a second opinion can transform fear into hope – and open the door to life-saving opportunities.

How to Get a Mesothelioma Second Opinion

Here are a few options for how to connect with a mesothelioma specialist for a second opinion:

Talk to your primary care physician or oncologist.

They may provide a referral to a specialist.

Contact a specialist on your own.

Do your own research or contact a patient advocate, like our registered nurse Karen Ritter. The goal is to find a mesothelioma specialist who has experience treating this rare cancer.

Use our free Doctor Match program.

Our Doctor Match feature makes finding a specialist much easier and less stressful. We’ll help find a mesothelioma specialist that will review your medical records and can give you the answers you need.

How to Ask for a Mesothelioma Second Opinion

Some patients hesitate to seek a second opinion, worrying it may seem disrespectful to their doctor. In reality, asking for another perspective is both common and essential – and no one should ever feel guilty about it. A second opinion could extend your survival and open doors to better treatment options.

“My strong advice to patients is to always ask for a second opinion.”

Dr. Michele Carbone

Mesothelioma Specialist at the University of Hawaii Cancer Center

Your health and your life are what matter most. Any trusted physician will understand the importance of seeking confirmation and may even recommend you to a mesothelioma specialist.

Finding a Mesothelioma Specialist Near You

There may not be a mesothelioma specialist close to you; it may be necessary to travel to see them. Traveling should not prevent you from seeking the most experienced specialist or the most effective treatment options. In many cases, a mesothelioma specialist will agree to consult with a patient virtually or over the phone before any in-person appointments.

FINDING A SPECIALIST VIRTUALLY ANYWHERE

Virtual consultations give you the opportunity to speak directly with a mesothelioma specialist and review your treatment options. In many cases, the specialist can collaborate with your local physician, allowing you to receive care closer to home while still benefiting from expert guidance.

Mesothelioma Second Opinions Before Surgery

Seek a second opinion prior to making decisions about having any major surgery. Surgery for mesothelioma is often more aggressive and specialized than for other types of cancer. There are surgeries for both pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma, and it is crucial to find an experienced mesothelioma specialist to perform these procedures.

Due to the rarity of mesothelioma, physicians and cancer centers may differ on opinions related to the best methods for treating this disease. Determining eligibility for surgery demands a high level of specialized experience and careful clinical evaluation. Find a mesothelioma specialist who will create a customized treatment plan for your specific needs.

Debating Pleural Mesothelioma Surgery

There are two main surgeries that may be used for the treatment of pleural mesothelioma – eligibility for surgery often depends on the mesothelioma type, stage, overall health status, and treatment goals.

Extrapleural Pneumonectomy (EPP)

The extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP) is an aggressive surgery that involves removing the entire affected lung and all diseased tissue in the chest cavity. Careful patient selection is necessary to ensure a successful resection of the tumors and a smooth recovery.

Pleurectomy with Decortication (P/D)

Pleurectomy with decortication (P/D) is another aggressive surgery but leaves the affected lung intact, removing only the lining of the lung and any other diseased tissue. This option reduces complications and provides an easier recovery.

Doctors may differ on opinions about which surgery is best for patients but agree that a mesothelioma specialist is recommended to achieve the best results. Getting a mesothelioma second opinion can reveal more information about each surgery and help you make the best decision.

Using Neoadjuvant Treatment

Neoadjuvant therapy refers to treatment that is given before surgery to help improve the surgical outcomes. This could include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or radiation.

Mesothelioma specialists often recommend neoadjuvant treatments to stop the progression of the disease, shrink tumors, and improve the success of surgery. This can improve survival and quality of life.

An oncologist with little to no experience with mesothelioma may not know all the options when considering treatment for this rare cancer. Systemic therapies like chemotherapy and immunotherapy have been approved by the FDA for the treatment of mesothelioma.

While chemotherapy has been the mainstay of treatment for mesothelioma, specialists are finding that many patients have improved survival and often have fewer severe side effects with immunotherapy. The FDA has approved three immunotherapy options for mesothelioma: Keytruda, Opdivo, and Yervoy.

Mesothelioma specialists use their knowledge and experience to accurately evaluate patients prior to recommending surgery. The decision to perform surgery may be postponed or delayed until after the patient has had a positive response to a neoadjuvant therapy. Learn more about the benefits and challenges of surgery in our free Mesothelioma Guide book.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mesothelioma Second Opinions

How does a mesothelioma second opinion help patients?

Receiving a second opinion from a mesothelioma specialist can help patients learn more about the treatment options available to them, compare treatment plans, and likely improve survival.

Why is it important to get a second opinion for mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma second opinions provide peace of mind and comfort to patients with this cancer. Getting confirmation of your diagnosis from a specialist will allow you to move forward with the best treatment for your type of mesothelioma. A second opinion also may reveal new information on staging, cell type, and therapeutic options, which can impact your prognosis.

How can you get a second opinion for mesothelioma?

If you were diagnosed with mesothelioma, we encourage you to get a second opinion from one of the top-ranked cancer centers. These institutions likely have doctors who specialize in mesothelioma. They’ll provide an accurate diagnosis that either confirms your initial one or is more reliable.

Sources & Author

Seeking a Second Opinion. American Cancer Society. Retrieved from: https://www.cancer.org/treatment/finding-and-paying-for-treatment/choosing-your-treatment-team/seeking-a-second-opinion.html. Accessed: 05/12/2020.
Patient-Initiated Second Opinions: Systematic Review of Characteristics and Impact on Diagnosis, Treatment, and Satisfaction. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0025619614002456. Accessed: 10/10/18.
Initial Analysis of the International Association For the Study of Lung Cancer Mesothelioma Database. Journal of Thoracic Oncology. Retrieved from: https://www.jto.org/article/S1556-0864(15)33132-4/fulltext. Accessed: 04/14/2020.

About the Writer, David Statman

David Statman is a Content Writer for Mesothelioma Guide. He received both his bachelor's and master's in journalism from West Virginia University, and has been in medical publishing since January 2022. He previously worked in sports journalism, primarily reporting on West Virginia sports for a number of publications.

He lives in Delaware with his wife, dog and two cats, and avidly competes as a professional wrestler in the Philadelphia area.