Diagnoses That Call for a Second Opinion

Several weeks ago CNN reported the five most common situations in which people should seek a second medical opinion are: cardiac bypass surgery, hysterectomy, pregnancy terminations for fetal abnormality, surgery for varicose veins, and treatment for brain tumors. Certainly all of these are indeed important, but for African Americans there are some other health situations that definitely deserve a second opinion.

A new diagnosis of prostate cancer should definitely have two different opinions because of the many factors that need to be considered and the significant differences in the approach to treating this disease. African American men and others are often told that prostate cancer needs immediate removal, but that may not be the case. All new prostate cancers do not need to be removed immediately. Talk with your primary physician first and then ask him where he would go if he were faced with the same problem. Then, get a second opinion from that physician.

A second opinion also is recommended for a diagnosis of breast cancer. It is well documented that African American women often have complications from waiting too long to be evaluated and may have other health issues that can jeopardize a good treatment outcome.

Gastric bypass surgery is on the rise for those African Americans who can afford it. New medical evidence reveals that this surgery can often eliminate diabetes for many people and can prolong life for others. A second opinion is recommended to make sure that this possibly life-saving surgery is done by the right person.

Back pain is treated primarily with conservative care -- rest, pain medications, muscle relaxants, back and abdomen exercise, and steroid injections, all of which are highly effective. Back surgery is seldom done, but if it is recommended, a second opinion from a spinal surgeon is called for.

Eye surgery for cataracts and glaucoma is common among African Americans and a second opinion is recommended to make sure you understand the procedure and the possible complications. Some physicians have better communication skills than others, so talk to a physician who can explain things well.

It not unusual for African Americans to receive incomplete information from their physicians about recommended treatment. I get many calls from people who are not my patients asking me to explain a surgical procedure that has been prescribed for them. For the most part, the person does not completely understand what needs to be done and why and knows little about the physician who will perform the surgery.

Your primary physician should always be the person you rely on so a good open relationship with him or her is paramount. But, there are also diseases and treatments that call for a second medical opinion.

I am Dr. Thaddeus John Bell --- Closing the Gap in Health Care.