Getting a Second Opinion for Lung Cancer — Before You Start Treatment

Yes — it is normal, expected, and good practice. A second opinion is not a sign of distrust in your first doctor; it is what any careful family does before a major treatment decision. Most oncologists welcome it, because lung cancer treatment depends on fine details — the exact subtype, the stage, and the molecular profile of the tumour. An independent review confirms the diagnosis and plan, or refines them where needed. At CION, the first consultation and written second opinion are free for cancer patients, with no obligation to move your treatment to us.

At CION, the first consultation and the written second opinion are free for cancer patients — a service normally valued at ₹950. The tumour board review of your case is also included at no extra cost. You would only pay if you choose additional tests that were not already done: a pathology slide re-read (₹2,000–₹6,000), a molecular testing panel (₹15,000–₹50,000), or a PET-CT scan (₹9,999–₹16,000). These are recommended only when they will confirm or change the treatment plan. All costs are shared transparently before anything is done.

A second opinion is always reasonable, but it is especially important if: advanced NSCLC treatment was recommended without molecular testing (EGFR, ALK, ROS1, RET, BRAF, PD-L1); immunotherapy was advised without confirming you do not have an EGFR mutation; you were told surgery is not possible but were not offered SBRT; you were told nothing more can be done; or you simply do not fully understand why a treatment was chosen. If any of these apply, a review by a multidisciplinary tumour board is strongly worth your while before you start treatment.

Bring your biopsy and pathology report (and the slides or blocks if available), any molecular testing results, your imaging scans and reports (CT chest, PET-CT, MRI brain or bone scans), and the current treatment plan or prescription you were given. A short note of your other health conditions, allergies and current medicines is also helpful, since these affect which treatments are safe for you. Writing down your questions in advance helps you get the most from the consultation. If molecular testing was not done, simply tell us — confirming this is one of the most important parts of the review.

In most cases, no. A second opinion can usually be arranged quickly, and where time is critical we prioritise the review so it does not cause harmful delay. Many patients receive a written opinion within a few days of sharing their reports. Asking for a second opinion does not mean stopping or pausing care that is already underway. The aim is to make sure the right treatment is chosen — and a few days of careful review at the start can prevent months of less effective treatment later.

Our multidisciplinary tumour board reviews every part of your case: the pathology report and slides confirming the type of lung cancer; whether molecular testing (EGFR, ALK, ROS1, RET, BRAF, PD-L1) was done before treatment for advanced disease; the imaging and staging; and the proposed treatment plan. We assess whether surgery (VATS) or radiation (SBRT) may be options, whether the plan follows current NCCN and ESMO guidelines, and what supportive care should run alongside treatment. You receive a clear written summary in plain language that you can keep.

For advanced non-small cell lung cancer, molecular testing of the biopsy identifies gene changes — most importantly EGFR, ALK and ROS1 — and the PD-L1 protein level. These results determine whether a targeted tablet, immunotherapy, or chemotherapy is the most effective first treatment. Around 40 to 50% of Indian NSCLC patients carry an EGFR mutation, and they generally respond far better to a daily targeted tablet than to standard chemotherapy. Starting treatment without molecular testing can mean missing a more effective, better-tolerated option. Confirming this testing was done is the single most common gap a second opinion identifies.

No. There is no obligation to switch. After the second opinion you are free to continue with your current doctor, return to discuss the findings, or choose CION for treatment — whatever is right for you. The written opinion is yours to keep and to share with your current team. Our goal is simply that you start treatment with confidence and a clear understanding of why each step was chosen. The review is offered as genuine help, not as a sales process.

Yes. A second opinion is useful even after treatment has begun — for example, if treatment was started without molecular testing, if side effects are difficult to manage, or if the cancer is not responding as expected. A review can confirm the current plan is appropriate or suggest adjustments based on the latest reports and guidelines. Bring your treatment summary and the names and doses of any medicines you are already taking, so our team can advise on the best next steps without disrupting care unnecessarily.

You can request a free second opinion by filling in the form on this page, or by calling 1800 202 8726. Share your reports — biopsy, molecular testing, imaging and the current plan — at the consultation or in advance over phone or WhatsApp. We then arrange a 45-minute consultation with a medical oncologist, a tumour board review, and a written second opinion. The first consultation and written opinion are free for cancer patients, and consultations are available across CION's Hyderabad locations.