When your child is diagnosed with cancer or advised to undergo surgery, you may have questions about the diagnosis, the proposed operation and what happens next. A second opinion with Dr. Monica Bhagat can help you understand the surgical options, the reasons for the recommended approach and whether further information is needed before making a decision.
Parents may consider a second opinion at different stages of their child’s treatment. You may want another specialist’s view when:
A second opinion does not necessarily mean the original treatment plan is incorrect. It can help confirm the proposed approach, explain alternatives where appropriate and clarify any questions you still have.
If your child needs urgent treatment, discuss the timing of a second opinion with the current treating team so that necessary care is not delayed.
A childhood cancer diagnosis can leave parents facing difficult decisions. Understanding why surgery is recommended and how it fits into the overall treatment plan can make these discussions easier.
Dr. Monica Bhagat can review the available medical records and discuss the proposed surgical approach, based on the information provided and the services available in her clinical setting.
The consultation may help you understand:
The recommendations will depend on your child’s diagnosis, age, tumour location and overall condition. A second opinion may support the existing plan or identify other options that need to be discussed with the treating team.
The role of surgery varies according to the type of childhood tumour. Some children need an operation to remove the tumour, while others require a biopsy first or receive other treatment before surgery is considered.
Parents may seek a surgical opinion for conditions such as:
Neuroblastoma
The location and extent of the tumour can influence whether surgery is appropriate and when it should take place. A review may help clarify the proposed role and complexity of surgery within the child’s treatment plan.
Wilms Tumour
For this kidney tumour, the surgical approach depends on the diagnosis and the treatment protocol being followed. A second opinion can help parents understand the proposed operation and its timing in relation to other treatment.
Hepatoblastoma
This childhood liver tumour may require careful assessment of its location and extent. A surgical review can help explain the proposed approach and whether further specialist assessment is needed.
Rhabdomyosarcoma
Surgery is not the first treatment for every child with rhabdomyosarcoma. A second opinion can help parents understand whether an operation has a role and how it fits with other treatments.
Ovarian and Testicular Germ Cell Tumours
The surgical plan depends on the tumour type and the child’s age. Where appropriate, the surgeon may consider ways to preserve healthy tissue while ensuring that the tumour is managed safely.
Pediatric Soft-Tissue Tumours
For tumours involving muscles or other soft tissues, parents may want to understand how the tumour can be removed and whether nearby structures or normal function may be affected.
These are examples of conditions for which a surgical opinion may be relevant. The appropriate approach must be decided individually, and not every childhood cancer requires surgery.
Providing complete medical records helps the surgeon understand what has already been investigated and which decisions have been made.
Where available, bring the following:
If your child has already undergone surgery, the operative report may also be useful.
If some records are missing, contact the team before the appointment to ask which documents are most important. Additional information may be required before a meaningful opinion can be provided.
After reviewing your child’s case, the surgeon can discuss the available findings and explain the surgical considerations relevant to the diagnosis.
You can use the consultation to clarify whether the current plan is supported by the information available, whether further investigations may be needed and what questions should be discussed with the existing treating team.
If the second opinion differs from the original recommendation, ask both doctors to explain the reasons for their views. Differences may arise because of the information available, the interpretation of findings or the treatment options being considered.
You do not need to make every decision during the consultation. Take time to understand the recommendations and discuss the next steps with your child’s treating team. Do not stop or postpone prescribed treatment without discussing it with the doctors responsible for your child’s care.
Families travelling to Mumbai from another country may need help understanding how to arrange a specialist consultation for their child.
Before making travel plans, contact the team to enquire about appointment availability, the medical records required and whether an initial review can be arranged remotely. The team can clarify the consultation process and explain which arrangements are available for international families.
Please confirm the available services directly with the team before booking flights or accommodation. An in-person examination or additional investigations may be necessary before a final surgical recommendation can be made.
For further information, visit the International Patient Support page or contact the team to discuss your child’s case.
Yes. Parents can seek another qualified specialist's opinion if they want to understand the diagnosis or proposed operation more clearly. A second opinion may confirm the existing plan or provide other options to discuss.
Yes. A second opinion may still be useful during treatment, particularly when surgery is being considered or the treatment plan is changing. Share details of all treatment already received so the surgeon can review the case in context.
This depends on the consultation service available and the information provided. Some cases may be suitable for an initial review of medical records, while others require an in-person examination or further investigations. Contact the team to confirm the available options.
Ask both doctors to explain the reasons behind their recommendations and what evidence supports each approach. You can discuss the findings with your child's treating team before deciding on the next step. Necessary treatment should not be delayed while seeking clarification.
Yes. Families can contact the team to ask about appointment availability, medical records and the consultation process. Confirm which international patient support services are available before making travel arrangements.
If your child has been diagnosed with cancer or has been advised to undergo tumour surgery, a second opinion can help you understand the proposed operation and the decisions that need to be made.
Dr. Monica Bhagat can review the available medical information and discuss the surgical considerations relevant to your child's condition.
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