Biopsy interpretation and pathology reporting varies in quality. Some pathology reports are written by recent graduates who mean well but haven’t developed the set of eyes that highly experienced pathologists have. The first pathology report is probably going to be useful, but it becomes brilliantly useful when compared to a second opinion from a pathologist at a different facility.
Your biopsy report (eg Gleason Score) forms the basis for your treatment choice making, so, you want to feel sure that you are working with good information.
Ask your primary urologist, consultant or doctor to help you locate a well regarded pathology department and have your biopsy slides sent there for a second opinion. If you live in the USA, we have listed six highly regarded pathology labs, below, including our favorite at Johns Hopkins.
First: Get your biopsy slides from your urologist or the hospital. The slide belong to you…there shouldn’t be any objection to you in getting a second opinion.
You can have your doctor or hospital send them out for a second opinion or you can take them and Fed Ex or UPS them to the address below. If you’re personally sending them, make sure that they’re encased in bubble wrap and that you send a return address (or return addressed envelope).
1. Johns Hopkins Hospital/ Baltimore, Maryland
Call Dr. Jonathan Epstein’s Assistant:
Jacqueline Bacon (410) 614-6330
She’ll give you all the info you need re sending slides to Dr. Epstein.
Send slides to:
Dr. Jonathan Epstein
Johns Hopkins Medical Laboratories
1620 McElderry St.
Reed Hall Rm 315
Baltimore, MD 21205
Fax (410) 614-7712
Phone (410) 955-2405
8 am – 5 pm
Normal LAB hours are:
5:30 am – 4:30 pm Mon-Fri
Include a cover letter stating that you would like a review of your recent biopsy by Dr. Epstein, and that you are a member of the Malecare Prostate Cancer support group network. Be sure to say that you would like the pathology report to be sent to you, and, if you wish, to your current urologist. Also state where you would like your slides to be sent, after Dr. Epstein has completed his report. Be sure to include all of your contact info, including your phone number and email.
It’s sometimes difficult to absorb all of the information.
It’s helpful to voice record the call so that you can listen to the information again.
Other labs for second opinions:
2. Bostwick Laboratories
