Inquisitivity regarding second opinion amongst pathologists-necessity and relevance

Background: Diagnostic difficulties in pathology lead to seeking of second opinion, which drastically reduce errors and provides therapeutic and prognostic benefit to the patient. Aims and objectives: The present survey aims to assess the general perspective of pathologists on second opinion in oral and maxillofacial lesions with an attempt to find solutions to diagnostic challenges. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire based survey was conducted amongst 51 oral and 51 general pathologists. The following parameters were included: frequency of second opinions taken, reasons for seeking second opinions, productivity of second opinions sought, modes of obtaining second opinions, and choice of professional (oral or general pathologist) for seeking second opinion. Statistical analysis used: The data collected was subjected to fisher’s exact p-value using pearson’s chi square test. The statistical package employed was R-2.15.2 (India). Results and conclusion: 85% of pathologists were in favor of seeking a second opinion in cases of perplexities. Reasons cited for seeking second referrals were inadequate information or understanding of the information supplied-60%; lack of expertise-13%; lack of regular exposure to oral lesions-29%; and other related reasons-17%. Sending slide personally to a colleague emerged as the most preferred mode of seeking a second referral. Second referrals reflect an acknowledged need for assistance and do not imply inadequacy of the primary pathologist.