Hollywood actress and producer Rita Wilson has always kept a close eye on her breast health. For many years, she and her healthcare team monitored her diagnosis of lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) – a condition in which abnormal cells form in the milk glands – through yearly mammograms and breast MRIs. LCIS is not cancer, but women with LCIS have an increased risk of developing breast cancer.

Later, a suspicious finding in a scan prompted two surgical biopsies, and the initial diagnosis for Wilson was pleomorphic lobular carcinoma in situ (PLCIS) – a slightly riskier version of LCIS, but still not cancer. However, she couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off. “A friend who had had breast cancer suggested I get a second opinion on my pathology and my gut told me that was the thing to do,” Wilson explained. The next pathologist – and following that, yet another for good measure – found invasive lobular carcinoma, a type of actual breast cancer that originates in the milk glands.

Wilson was lucky to catch her breast cancer diagnosis early. She underwent a bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction and has since fully recovered. She felt it was important to publicize her story and concluded her statement with a strong recommendation:

“I share this to educate others that a second opinion is critical to your health. You have nothing to lose if both opinions match up for the good, and everything to gain if something that was missed is found, which does happen. Early diagnosis is key. I hope this will encourage others to get a second opinion and to trust their instincts if something doesn’t ‘feel’ right.”

If you have doubts about a recent medical diagnosis, please reach out to SecondOpinions.com. We have experts in multiple specialties who can review your case quickly and cost-effectively.

Getting a second opinion on a radiology study is important for several reasons:

Accuracy: Radiology is a highly specialized field and sometimes, even experienced radiologists can interpret images differently. Getting a second opinion can help confirm or rule out a diagnosis and ensure that the interpretation of the images is accurate.
Confidence in diagnosis: If a patient has a serious condition, a second opinion can provide additional reassurance and help them feel more confident about their diagnosis.
Alternative perspectives: A second radiologist may have different training or expertise and may be able to provide a new perspective on the images. They may also have access to newer technology or different imaging techniques that the first radiologist did not use.
Avoiding unnecessary procedures: In some cases, a second opinion may reveal that a proposed procedure is not necessary, saving the patient both time and money.
Improved patient outcomes: By ensuring the accuracy of a diagnosis and avoiding unnecessary procedures, getting a second opinion can ultimately lead to improved patient outcomes.

It’s important to note that getting a second opinion is not a sign of distrust in the first radiologist, but rather a way to ensure the best possible care for the patient.

Staying healthy is a combination of several factors including diet, physical activity, stress management, and getting enough sleep. Here are some easy ways to stay healthy:

1. Eat a balanced diet: Include plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein sources in your diet. Avoid processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive amounts of saturated and trans fats.
2. Exercise regularly: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity most days of the week. This can be as simple as taking a brisk walk, biking, or doing yoga.
3. Manage stress: Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as deep breathing, meditation, or talking to a friend. Avoid turning to unhealthy habits such as overeating or substance abuse to cope with stress.
4. Get enough sleep: Adults need 7-9 hours of sleep per night to function at their best. Establish a consistent sleep schedule and create a relaxing bedtime routine to help improve the quality of your sleep.
5. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated and help flush out toxins from your body.
6. Avoid tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption: Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can have serious negative impacts on your health. If you use tobacco, seek help to quit. If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation.
7. Stay socially connected: Maintaining strong social connections can have a positive impact on your mental and physical health. Spend time with friends and family, join a club or group, or volunteer in your community.

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder in which the body has high sugar levels for prolonged periods of time. This is caused when there is inadequate production of insulin, or insulin resistance.

There are 4 types of diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes also known as juvenile diabetes is a chronic condition where the pancreas produces little or no insulin. This causes increased thirst, frequent urination, hunger, sudden weight loss and weakness. (more than 200,000 cases per year in the US)

Type 2 diabetes also known as diabetes mellitus is a condition that results from insufficient production of insulin, causing high blood sugar. (more than 3 million cases per year in the US)

Gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy) is a condition in which women develop diabetes during pregnancy. Initially, it may not cause any symptoms. Excessive thirst, sweating and frequent urination may be noticed as it progresses. (more than 200,000 cases per year in the US)

Diabetes insipidus also known as DI is a condition that results from an imbalance of water in the body. This causes extreme thirst, and frequent excessive urination. (fewer than 200,000 cases per year in the US)

Type 2 diabetes is the most common in the US and can be managed with an adequate treatment plan provided by a medical professional. Diabetes type 1, 2 and gestational may be dangerous or life threatening if not managed or treated by a healthcare professional. Family history may increase the likelihood of diabetes in the above.

If you or a loved one have concerns about diabetes and would like to seek some additional medical advice or a second opinion from one of our many doctors or an endocrinologist please visit secondopinions.com for a peace of mind.

Cirrhosis of the liver, or hepatic cirrhosis, is a degenerative late-stage disease of the liver and its complications resulting in scarring(fibrosis) and liver failure.

Cirrhosis is caused by diseases of the liver, such as viral hepatitis(B or C), excessive alcohol consumption, & fatty liver. Every time your liver is injured, by disease or another cause, it repairs itself causing scarring. As the cirrhosis progresses, more scar tissue builds inhibiting liver function which can lead to liver failure, if left untreated.

This disease is most common in adults 50 years of age or older and many times, there aren’t any noticeable symptoms until the condition has progressed to the late stages. Symptoms & treatment options depend on which stage of cirrhosis you are in. Symptoms include fatigue, loss of appetite and/or weight, abdominal pain, weakness, swelling in the legs & ankles, jaundice, dark colored urine & stools, shortness of breath, and blood in vomit.

There are 4 stages of cirrhosis:

Stage I: Steatosis – Inflammation of the bile duct or liver.

Stage II: Fibrosis(Scarring) – Inflammation or scarring begin to obstruct the flow of blood to the liver.

Stage III: Cirrhosis – Due to lack of treatment, scar tissue starts to replace the good tissue in the liver making it hard & lumpy and difficult for blood to flow to the liver.

Stage IV: Liver Failure – Left untreated, will lead to liver failure & death.

Although there is no cure for Cirrhosis, there are medicinal & surgical treatments, as well as lifestyle changes that can be made, depending on the stage of diagnosis.

If you think you’ve been misdiagnosed or would just like a second opinion, reach out to the many doctors online now at www.secondopinions.com to ease your mind.

A migraine is a severe pulsating or throbbing headache that can last for hours or days, and causes sound & light sensitivity and vomiting. It is often located on one side of the head.

Migraines can start at any age, but typically start in adolescence and affect women 3 times more than men. There are four stages to migraines: prodrome, aura, attack and post-drome, although not everyone goes through all stages. About one third of the people affected by migraines experience auras, or visual disturbances, such as flashes of light, bright spots, or temporary vision loss.

Although most migraines go untreated & undiagnosed, you should see a doctor immediately if you have one after a head injury, a severe one like a thunderclap, experience stiffness in your neck, fever, weakness or numbness in your body, double vision, & seizures or if it worsens after a cough, with exertion, or sudden movement. If you experience any of these symptoms an MRI or CT can help a doctor diagnose it.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for migraines, but there are pain relieving & preventative medications.

If you’re experiencing migraines & would like a second opinion, we have doctors online now to help you.