2nd pathology opinion - who is best?

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formymama
formymama Member Posts: 1
edited June 2014 in DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ)

Hi everybody... trying to help my mom who was recently diagnosed with DCIS. Docs are trying to give her possibly unwarranted radiation therapy. Who do you think is best for a 2nd pathology report? I've heard a lot about Dr. Lagios here and elsewhere. We're also considering the breast cancer pathologists at Sloan Kettering. We feel the need to have the slides sent ASAP. Thanks so much in advance for any input you may have... 

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  • JAT
    JAT Member Posts: 81
    edited October 2010

    I had my slides sent to SK (actually this was my 3rd opinion-- I had another pathologist at Johns Hopkins,and Georgetown, too)--  the SK and Hopkins pathologists only read the slides and confirmed the diagnosis-- in order to get advice about treatment, the very rude receptionist at SK told me I had to schedule an ppointment for a face to face with radiation oncologists. Other people on the board have used Lagios for a pathology read AND his medical advice about treatment, so that may be the best way to go. Good luck-Julie

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  • SJW1
    SJW1 Member Posts: 244
    edited October 2010

    Mama,

    As a fan of Dr. Lagios, I have posted many times on this site. He has a consulting service that anyone can use. 

    He has been studying DCIS for decades and in fact wrote many of the textbooks on the subject. Dr. Mel Silverstein and he developed the Van Nuys Prognostic Index to estimate recurrence risks with and without radiation. The VNPI is a point system based on the margin size, size and grade of the DCIS and the patient's age.

    I have consulted with him at least 3 times since my diagnosis of DCIS in 2007. When he estimated my risk at only 4 percent it didn't make sense to me to have radiation for the 50 percent risk reduction it typically provides. Because I consulted with Dr. Lagios, I was also able to avoid a mastectomy when my local pathologists said I did not get clean margins for my lumpectomy.

    Please feel free to send me a PM if you need more info or check out my website where I have a lots of info about Dr. Lagios and the Van Nuys Prognostic Index.

    https://sites.google.com/site/dciswithoutrads/home

    Best wishes,

    Sandie

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