There are times during your child’s treatment when a second opinion may be advisable. Parents are sometimes reluctant to request a second opinion because they are afraid of offending their child’s doctor or creating antagonism. Conscientious doctors will not resent a parent seeking a second opinion. If your child’s doctor does resist, ask why. Second opinions are a common and accepted practice, and they are sometimes required by insurance companies.

There are two ways to get a second opinion: see another specialist or ask the child’s doctor to arrange a multidisciplinary second opinion. Many parents seek a second or third opinion at the time of diagnosis. Do not do this in secret. Explain to your child’s pediatric neurosurgeon or neuro-oncologist that, before proceeding, you would like additional viewpoints. To allow for a thorough analysis, arrange to have copies of all records, scans, and pathology slides sent ahead to the doctor(s) who will give the additional opinions. It is often helpful to get an opinion from a neuro-oncologist and one from a neurosurgeon.

Multidisciplinary second opinions incorporate the views of several different specialists. Parents who would like to get various viewpoints can ask to have the child’s situation discussed at a tumor board, which usually meets weekly at major medical centers. These boards include medical, surgical, and radiation oncologists, as well as pathologists, radiologists, fellows, and residents. Your child’s pediatric neurosurgeon or neuro-oncologist will present the facts of your child’s case for discussion. Ask him to tell you what was said at the meeting.