Size and Importance of Socioeconomic Status-Based Disparities in Use of Surgery

Hi Gavin,

Thank you as always for sharing the latest medical research.

This article describes how patients who are less economically advantaged are less likely to be sent for surgery.  The same result – lower likelihood of being sent for surgery – has been shown in other studies for patients being seen in community hospitals rather than major cancer hospitals.

For cholangiocarcinoma, surgery (or for eligible patients, liver transplant) are potentially curative treatments.  It is imperative that upon diagnosis, patients whose cancer has not spread beyond the liver and bile ducts get a competent surgical opinion about whether surgery is possible.  Liver cancer surgery is difficult and usually must be performed by a specialized, highly experienced surgeon.

The provider map offered by the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation can help you find a surgeon experienced with cholangiocarcinoma in your area.  Alternatively, some major cancer hospitals do offer a second opinion service remotely, where you send your medical records electronically to receive a skilled surgical opinion, for a fee.  If you search “second opinion” on a major cancer center website, you can see if this service is offered.

This issue is near and dear to my heart as my first opinion said surgery was not possible.  My second opinion was with an experienced liver transplant surgeon who thought, despite my tumor being large and close to a major vein, that he could get it out.  Second opinions can be life-saving for our cancer.

Regards, Mary