Second Opinion Pathology
MD Anderson’s pathology department provides second opinion consultations. This program may help you choose the most effective treatment.
We have experts in a wide range of cancer subspecialties, including:
- Breast
- Dermatopathology
- Gastrointestinal
- Genitourinary
- Gynecologic
- Head and neck
- Neuropathology
- Bone and soft tissue
- Thoracic
The pathology department also operates several diagnostic facilities, including the Fine Needle Aspiration Clinic and specialized laboratories for image analysis, electron microscopy.
Many insurance carriers will reimburse the costs of second opinion consultations. Follow-up reviews are payable separately. Please remember that our service is for pathology second opinions only. We cannot discuss or recommend treatment options.
Gynecologic Second Opinion Consultations
Diagnosing cancers of the female reproductive tract can be challenging, which is why second opinions are so important before treatment begins. Knowing the exact type and stage of a tumor is the only way to choose the most effective therapy for their patients. We provide second opinion services on pathology samples sent to us from pathologists or clinicians outside the MD Anderson system.
If the diagnosis is unclear, our expertise in assessing difficult or unusual cases can help provide an accurate diagnosis. If any questions remain after our initial review, the case will be reviewed by a team of MD Anderson experts before a final diagnosis is made. Our gynecologic pathology team can also help determine if the tumor is localized or has metastasized from another region of the body.
We provide second opinions on the full range of gynecologic cancers:
- Ovarian
- Uterine
- Cervical
- Vulvar
- Vaginal
- Fallopian tube
- Placental tumors
- Some peritoneal cancers
In most cases, we can supply a written report of our findings 48 hours after receiving pathology samples, so you won't lose valuable time choosing the right treatment facility and the most effective therapy.
Obtain a Consultation
Attending physicians may request the necessary materials from the outside hospital or laboratory. Pathologists requesting a second opinion may send the surgical material directly to us.
The minimum charge for a consultation and report on referred slides prepared elsewhere is $328. Any additional testing that is necessary to render a diagnosis will be charged in addition to this fee.
To get started, submit the required information:
- Pathology Consultation Request
- Pathology Test Requisition
- Pathology Consultation – Domestic Patients Billing Information
- Pathology Consultation – International Patients Billing Information
Send the completed form (s), consultation fees, materials to be reviewed and a copy of the surgical pathology report (overnight delivery is preferred) to:
MD Anderson Cancer Center
Outside Slide Consultation
Department of Pathology
1515 Holcombe Blvd., Unit 0085
Houston, Texas 77030
A written reply will be submitted in every case. To speak with someone in our second opinion pathology group or to inquire about the results of a case sent for consultation, please call 713-792-3112.
