Second Opinion by In-House Radiologists: Present Picture and Emphasis on Standardizing Imaging Protocol in Oncology

Standardization of imaging acquisition protocol, modification in protocols for specific tumor and standardization in providing image data sets for outside referral, will help not only patients but also oncologists (who requests the second read) and the radiologists (who provides the second read on outside imaging). The practical benefits to patients include, cost savings (limiting the repeat radiological examination), timely initiation of treatment; the unrealized benefits include prevention of unnecessary anxiety and discomfort. In such second opinions, the radiologists should answer key clinical issues about resectability and other relevant findings in provisionally diagnosed cancers. In this article we will discuss the present scenario regarding second opinion of outside diagnostic imaging, the current approach, challenges and its optimization.