Two Docs' Heads Are Better Than 1

Always seek out a second opinion after these tricky diagnoses
By Sophie Goldstein,  Newser Staff
Posted Sep 7, 2007 1:56 PM CDT
Two Docs' Heads Are Better Than 1
   (Index Stock (http://www.indexstock.com))

When diagnosis is difficult, the procedure is risky, or less-invasive alternatives are available, a second opinion is essential. CNN lists five diagnoses that should send up red flags:

  1. Heart-bypass surgery: Alternatives may be better for some patients.
  2. Hysterectomy: The uterus isn't always the problem, and when it is, less dramatic alternatives are available.

  1. Pregnancy termination for fetal abnormality: Misdiagnoses are common.
  2. Surgery for varicose veins: The wrong treatment wastes both time and money.
  3. Brain-tumor treatments: Some inflammatory conditions mimic tumors well enough to fool a pathologist.
(More doctor stories.)

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