Could A Second Opinion Prevent A Cancer Misdiagnosis Or Unnecessary Surgery? What Doctors Say

Last Updated:May 27, 2026, 09:37 IST

Physicians recommend second opinions for major diagnoses as medicine is not always black and white. Different doctors interpret scans differently, suggest alternative treatments

The treatment of cancer or any medical condition is becoming ever more personalised, with many possible routes depending on the type of tumour, the stage it is at, its genetics and the health status of the patient, doctors say.

For decades, patients rarely questioned their doctors. A diagnosis was usually accepted without hesitation. But, today, patients increasingly walk into clinics after already reading symptoms online, consulting AI chatbots, watching YouTube videos or discussing treatments in WhatsApp groups and Reddit forums. In this new healthcare environment, second opinions are no longer viewed as signs of distrust. They are increasingly becoming part of the decision-making process itself.

A recent report by The Washington Post highlighted how physicians themselves often recommend second opinions for major diagnoses because medicine is not always black and white. Different doctors may interpret scans differently, suggest alternative treatments or disagree on whether surgery is immediately necessary.

The shift reflects a larger transformation in modern healthcare where patients are becoming more informed, more anxious and more willing to question medical certainty.

“The idea of seeking a second opinion, especially after receiving a cancer diagnosis, is increasingly being seen as a sign of greater awareness of healthcare, not as lack of faith in the medical system,” said Dr Sachin Marda, Clinical Director, Oncology Department, & Senior Consultant Oncologist & Robotic Surgeon Yashoda Hospitals, Hyderabad.

Cancer treatment decisions are often complex and may involve surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, targeted therapy or immunotherapy, so it is natural for patients to want reassurance that the diagnosis and treatment plan are appropriate. “You may want a second opinion to confirm the stage of the disease, consider other treatment options, or get specialised expertise. I believe that well-informed patients who are actively involved in decision-making are more confident and compliant with treatment,” Dr Marda pointed out.

Why Second Opinions Are Rising Globally

One major reason is the growing recognition that diagnostic errors are more common than many people realise. Studies estimate that outpatient diagnostic error rates globally stand at around 5%, affecting over 12 million patients annually. Research also suggests that more than 20% of referral diagnoses may significantly change after expert review.

“Patients want to know more about their diagnosis, treatment options, potential side effects and prognosis before making important decisions. The treatment of cancer or any medical condition is becoming ever more personalised, with many possible routes depending on the type of tumour, the stage it is at, its genetics and the health status of the patient. A second expert opinion will often confirm the diagnosis, increase confidence in the treatment plan and reduce anxiety. Second opinions usually lead to more informed and timely medical care,” explained Dr Marda.

Medicine is an extremely complex field where symptoms often overlap across diseases. Two specialists can sometimes arrive at different conclusions while reviewing the same scans, pathology reports or test results.

This becomes even more important in conditions such as cancer, neurological disorders, cardiac disease or autoimmune illnesses, where treatment decisions can permanently affect a patient’s quality of life.

Doctors increasingly acknowledge that seeking another expert opinion can reduce unnecessary surgeries, improve treatment accuracy and help patients feel more confident before proceeding with major medical interventions.

The Decline Of The ‘Doctor Knows Best’ Era

Earlier generations would often view questioning a doctor as disrespectful. Today, healthcare is becoming more consumer-driven, particularly in private medical systems where patients are paying large sums out of pocket. This shift is especially visible in India.

Rushed consultations, overcrowded hospitals and rising healthcare costs have made many patients uneasy about making quick decisions based on a single appointment. In some private hospitals, patients complain about being advised expensive scans, surgeries or procedures within minutes of consultation.

Investigation reveal that up to 44% of advised surgeries and 95% of certain procedures such as hysterectomies in private facilities may be entirely unnecessary.

As a result, many patients now seek reassurance before proceeding. They fear what if the diagnosis is wrong? What if the surgery is unnecessary? What if another treatment option exists?

Experts say this anxiety is contributing to the rapid growth of India’s medical second-opinion industry, which is projected to grow from roughly $451 million in 2025 to nearly $1.5 billion by 2035.

“Healthcare has evolved from a purely paternalistic model to a more collaborative model between doctors and patients. Patients today want to understand their disease, treatment options, risks, costs, and expected outcomes. This does not reduce respect for doctors; rather, it improves communication and shared decision-making. At the same time, it is important that medical decisions remain evidence-based and guided by qualified professionals rather than social media opinions or misinformation,” said Dr Subha Soujanya Nelabhotla, Consultant Pulmonologist, Apollo Hospitals Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad.

How Google And AI Are Changing Healthcare Decisions

Before meeting doctors, patients now routinely search symptoms online, compare treatment options and join online health communities. AI chatbots are increasingly being used to explain medical terminology, summarise reports and even suggest possible conditions.

“I usually check Google or ChatGPT both before and after visiting a doctor because it makes the whole process less intimidating. Sometimes you walk into a clinic already nervous, and there’s barely enough time to ask every question you actually have. A lot of doctors can come across as rushed or even slightly judgmental, especially when it’s about weight, lifestyle, symptoms or just overthinking—stuff you’re embarrassed to talk about. Looking things up beforehand helps me understand the basics so I don’t feel completely lost, and checking again later helps me process what the doctor said in simpler language. It’s not about replacing doctors, it’s about feeling informed enough to have the conversation in the first place,” said 34-year-old Namrata Singh, IT professional from Noida.

According to a study by Boston Consulting Group (BCG) titled ‘Consumers Are Ready for AI-Enabled Health Care’, nearly 78% of Gen Z and 71% of Millennials used AI for health-related tasks.

The report is based on a survey conducted on over 13,000 consumers across 15 countries.

Globally, nearly 60% of respondents said they already use AI for health-related purposes, but India stands out as a frontrunner, reflecting a growing comfort with digital tools in healthcare, the report added.

Patients want “instant” access to information, reassurance and a better understanding of their symptoms or medical conditions, highlighted Dr Marda. Medically, there is an increasing “health consciousness” and a “wish to play” an active part in decisions about health care.

But Dr Hitesh Singhavi, Consultant, Head and Neck Oncosurgery, KIMS Hospital, Thane, says, “AI tools can support awareness, but they cannot replace clinical evaluation, pathology reports, or personalised treatment planning. The healthiest approach is when patients use digital tools to ask better questions, while relying on qualified oncologists for final medical decisions.”

Telemedicine platforms have further simplified access to specialists across cities and countries. Platforms such as Practo, Apollo, Tata1mg and eSanjeevani provide patients video access to specialists.

For patients in smaller towns, it is now easier than ever to upload scans digitally and receive expert reviews from major hospitals in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru or even overseas.

This democratisation of information has both benefits and risks.

On one hand, patients are becoming more aware and proactive about their health. On the other hand, excessive online searching can increase anxiety, confusion and misinformation.

When Second Opinions Change Everything

In many cases, second opinions can dramatically alter treatment plans. A patient advised immediate spinal surgery may discover through another specialist that physiotherapy and medication could work instead. A suspected tumour may later turn out to be non-cancerous after further pathology review. Some cancer patients receive completely different staging assessments after consulting specialised oncology centres.

Research increasingly shows that second opinions frequently result in revised diagnoses or modified treatments.

Up to 30% to 58% of second opinions result in revised diagnoses, modified treatments, or the avoidance of unnecessary invasive procedures. This shift highlights the complexity of healthcare and the value of multi-specialist reviews.

Studies suggest that some elective procedures, including spine surgeries, knee replacements and stent placements, may not always be immediately necessary. In many cases, patients who seek a second opinion are advised alternative treatment approaches such as medication, physiotherapy or lifestyle changes instead of surgery.

However, cancer treatments require highly specialised, multidisciplinary evaluations. Research indicates that up to 40% of cancer second opinions modify the original treatment plan, which is vital for accurate staging and targeted therapies.

What Are The Risks In Seeking Second Opinions?

While second opinions can be valuable, experts warn they are not always necessary for every minor illness.

In emergencies such as strokes, heart attacks or rapidly progressing infections, delaying treatment while consulting multiple doctors can become dangerous.

Some patients also fall into what doctors call “medical shopping”, where they continue seeking endless opinions until they hear the answer they want. This can delay treatment and create further confusion.

The goal of a second opinion is not to endlessly challenge medicine, but to gain clarity and confidence before making major decisions.

Most doctors say patients should especially consider second opinions when:

surgery is irreversible, treatment carries major risks, the diagnosis is unclear, or the recommended procedure is extremely expensive.

Why Doctors No Longer Feel Offended

Interestingly, many doctors today say they no longer feel offended when patients ask for another opinion. In fact, several physicians now encourage it because it builds trust and reduces future disputes.

Experts recommend patients approach the conversation respectfully and transparently. Simply saying, “I’d like to understand all my options before proceeding,” is often enough.

The larger reality is that modern medicine has become too specialised and too complicated for absolute certainty in every case.

Healthcare is increasingly moving away from paternalistic decision-making towards shared decision-making, where patients, families and doctors together weigh risks, evidence and treatment choices.

That change may ultimately reshape not only how patients seek care, but also how trust itself functions inside modern healthcare systems.

A recent report by The Washington Post highlighted how physicians themselves often recommend second opinions for major diagnoses because medicine is not always black and white. Different doctors may interpret scans differently, suggest alternative treatments or disagree on whether surgery is immediately necessary.

The shift reflects a larger transformation in modern healthcare where patients are becoming more informed, more anxious and more willing to question medical certainty.

“The idea of seeking a second opinion, especially after receiving a cancer diagnosis, is increasingly being seen as a sign of greater awareness of healthcare, not as lack of faith in the medical system,” said Dr Sachin Marda, Clinical Director, Oncology Department, & Senior Consultant Oncologist & Robotic Surgeon Yashoda Hospitals, Hyderabad.

Cancer treatment decisions are often complex and may involve surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, targeted therapy or immunotherapy, so it is natural for patients to want reassurance that the diagnosis and treatment plan are appropriate. “You may want a second opinion to confirm the stage of the disease, consider other treatment options, or get specialised expertise. I believe that well-informed patients who are actively involved in decision-making are more confident and compliant with treatment,” Dr Marda pointed out.

Why Second Opinions Are Rising Globally

One major reason is the growing recognition that diagnostic errors are more common than many people realise. Studies estimate that outpatient diagnostic error rates globally stand at around 5%, affecting over 12 million patients annually. Research also suggests that more than 20% of referral diagnoses may significantly change after expert review.

“Patients want to know more about their diagnosis, treatment options, potential side effects and prognosis before making important decisions. The treatment of cancer or any medical condition is becoming ever more personalised, with many possible routes depending on the type of tumour, the stage it is at, its genetics and the health status of the patient. A second expert opinion will often confirm the diagnosis, increase confidence in the treatment plan and reduce anxiety. Second opinions usually lead to more informed and timely medical care,” explained Dr Marda.

Medicine is an extremely complex field where symptoms often overlap across diseases. Two specialists can sometimes arrive at different conclusions while reviewing the same scans, pathology reports or test results.

This becomes even more important in conditions such as cancer, neurological disorders, cardiac disease or autoimmune illnesses, where treatment decisions can permanently affect a patient’s quality of life.

Doctors increasingly acknowledge that seeking another expert opinion can reduce unnecessary surgeries, improve treatment accuracy and help patients feel more confident before proceeding with major medical interventions.

The Decline Of The ‘Doctor Knows Best’ Era

Earlier generations would often view questioning a doctor as disrespectful. Today, healthcare is becoming more consumer-driven, particularly in private medical systems where patients are paying large sums out of pocket. This shift is especially visible in India.

Rushed consultations, overcrowded hospitals and rising healthcare costs have made many patients uneasy about making quick decisions based on a single appointment. In some private hospitals, patients complain about being advised expensive scans, surgeries or procedures within minutes of consultation.

Investigation reveal that up to 44% of advised surgeries and 95% of certain procedures such as hysterectomies in private facilities may be entirely unnecessary.

As a result, many patients now seek reassurance before proceeding. They fear what if the diagnosis is wrong? What if the surgery is unnecessary? What if another treatment option exists?

Experts say this anxiety is contributing to the rapid growth of India’s medical second-opinion industry, which is projected to grow from roughly $451 million in 2025 to nearly $1.5 billion by 2035.

“Healthcare has evolved from a purely paternalistic model to a more collaborative model between doctors and patients. Patients today want to understand their disease, treatment options, risks, costs, and expected outcomes. This does not reduce respect for doctors; rather, it improves communication and shared decision-making. At the same time, it is important that medical decisions remain evidence-based and guided by qualified professionals rather than social media opinions or misinformation,” said Dr Subha Soujanya Nelabhotla, Consultant Pulmonologist, Apollo Hospitals Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad.

How Google And AI Are Changing Healthcare Decisions

Before meeting doctors, patients now routinely search symptoms online, compare treatment options and join online health communities. AI chatbots are increasingly being used to explain medical terminology, summarise reports and even suggest possible conditions.

“I usually check Google or ChatGPT both before and after visiting a doctor because it makes the whole process less intimidating. Sometimes you walk into a clinic already nervous, and there’s barely enough time to ask every question you actually have. A lot of doctors can come across as rushed or even slightly judgmental, especially when it’s about weight, lifestyle, symptoms or just overthinking—stuff you’re embarrassed to talk about. Looking things up beforehand helps me understand the basics so I don’t feel completely lost, and checking again later helps me process what the doctor said in simpler language. It’s not about replacing doctors, it’s about feeling informed enough to have the conversation in the first place,” said 34-year-old Namrata Singh, IT professional from Noida.

According to a study by Boston Consulting Group (BCG) titled ‘Consumers Are Ready for AI-Enabled Health Care’, nearly 78% of Gen Z and 71% of Millennials used AI for health-related tasks.

The report is based on a survey conducted on over 13,000 consumers across 15 countries.

Globally, nearly 60% of respondents said they already use AI for health-related purposes, but India stands out as a frontrunner, reflecting a growing comfort with digital tools in healthcare, the report added.

Patients want “instant” access to information, reassurance and a better understanding of their symptoms or medical conditions, highlighted Dr Marda. Medically, there is an increasing “health consciousness” and a “wish to play” an active part in decisions about health care.

But Dr Hitesh Singhavi, Consultant, Head and Neck Oncosurgery, KIMS Hospital, Thane, says, “AI tools can support awareness, but they cannot replace clinical evaluation, pathology reports, or personalised treatment planning. The healthiest approach is when patients use digital tools to ask better questions, while relying on qualified oncologists for final medical decisions.”

Telemedicine platforms have further simplified access to specialists across cities and countries. Platforms such as Practo, Apollo, Tata1mg and eSanjeevani provide patients video access to specialists.

For patients in smaller towns, it is now easier than ever to upload scans digitally and receive expert reviews from major hospitals in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru or even overseas.

This democratisation of information has both benefits and risks.

On one hand, patients are becoming more aware and proactive about their health. On the other hand, excessive online searching can increase anxiety, confusion and misinformation.

When Second Opinions Change Everything

In many cases, second opinions can dramatically alter treatment plans. A patient advised immediate spinal surgery may discover through another specialist that physiotherapy and medication could work instead. A suspected tumour may later turn out to be non-cancerous after further pathology review. Some cancer patients receive completely different staging assessments after consulting specialised oncology centres.

Research increasingly shows that second opinions frequently result in revised diagnoses or modified treatments.

Up to 30% to 58% of second opinions result in revised diagnoses, modified treatments, or the avoidance of unnecessary invasive procedures. This shift highlights the complexity of healthcare and the value of multi-specialist reviews.

Studies suggest that some elective procedures, including spine surgeries, knee replacements and stent placements, may not always be immediately necessary. In many cases, patients who seek a second opinion are advised alternative treatment approaches such as medication, physiotherapy or lifestyle changes instead of surgery.

However, cancer treatments require highly specialised, multidisciplinary evaluations. Research indicates that up to 40% of cancer second opinions modify the original treatment plan, which is vital for accurate staging and targeted therapies.

What Are The Risks In Seeking Second Opinions?

While second opinions can be valuable, experts warn they are not always necessary for every minor illness.

In emergencies such as strokes, heart attacks or rapidly progressing infections, delaying treatment while consulting multiple doctors can become dangerous.

Some patients also fall into what doctors call “medical shopping”, where they continue seeking endless opinions until they hear the answer they want. This can delay treatment and create further confusion.

The goal of a second opinion is not to endlessly challenge medicine, but to gain clarity and confidence before making major decisions.

Most doctors say patients should especially consider second opinions when:

surgery is irreversible, treatment carries major risks, the diagnosis is unclear, or the recommended procedure is extremely expensive.

Why Doctors No Longer Feel Offended

Interestingly, many doctors today say they no longer feel offended when patients ask for another opinion. In fact, several physicians now encourage it because it builds trust and reduces future disputes.

Experts recommend patients approach the conversation respectfully and transparently. Simply saying, “I’d like to understand all my options before proceeding,” is often enough.

The larger reality is that modern medicine has become too specialised and too complicated for absolute certainty in every case.

Healthcare is increasingly moving away from paternalistic decision-making towards shared decision-making, where patients, families and doctors together weigh risks, evidence and treatment choices.

That change may ultimately reshape not only how patients seek care, but also how trust itself functions inside modern healthcare systems.

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