Second Opinions

Written and medically reviewed by Dr Tan Wei Shen, Consultant Urologist and Robotic Surgeon · Last reviewed September 2026 · How these pages are written and reviewed

When a second opinion may help

Asking a second specialist to look at your case is common, and it is not a criticism of the doctor who first saw you. People often ask for one when:

• a cancer diagnosis has just been made, and more than one treatment could be reasonable
• surgery, radiotherapy and monitoring are all being considered, and the choice depends on your own priorities
• a scan, biopsy result or staging is unclear, or the reports come from different hospitals
• treatment has been recommended that would change daily life, such as bladder removal or the loss of a kidney
• you would simply like to understand the reasoning before going ahead

A second opinion does not commit you to changing doctor or hospital. Many people return to their original team afterwards, more confident in the plan.

What to bring

The more complete the information, the more useful the consultation. Where possible, please bring:

• letters or a summary from the doctor who is treating you
• scan images on disc or by file transfer, and the written reports (a report alone is often not enough, as the images may need to be reviewed again)
• biopsy or pathology reports, and details of the laboratory that issued them
• blood test results, including all PSA results with their dates if prostate cancer is being considered
• a list of your medicines, including blood thinners
• any treatment plan or consent form you have been given

If material is in another language, a translation of the key reports is helpful.

What happens at the appointment

The consultation follows the same pattern as any first appointment: the history, an examination if needed, and a review of the scans and reports you bring. Where images need to be reviewed again, or where a pathology sample may need a second look, this will be explained and arranged.

The aim is to set out what the findings show, what the reasonable options are, and what each would involve, so that the decision rests with you.

Will it delay treatment?

Most urological cancers allow time to think, and a short period to seek another view rarely changes what treatment is possible. Some situations do need prompt treatment, and where that applies it will be said plainly. If you are unsure how urgent your situation is, say so when you contact the clinic.

How to arrange a second opinion

Appointments are made through Subang Jaya Medical Centre, online or by phone, or you can send an enquiry through the contact page.

If you are travelling from outside Malaysia, see coming to Kuala Lumpur for urological care.