Getting the Right Cancer Diagnosis — The First Time — Makes All the Difference

Getting the right cancer diagnosis the first time makes all the difference to getting the right kind of care. Having that care close to home is even better.

At ChristianaCare’s Helen F. Graham Cancer Center & Research Institute a review of bone marrow biopsy reports sent out to other institutions for a second opinion shows 100% agreement with the initial diagnosis.

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A precise diagnosis means getting the right treatment that can lead to better outcomes.

Graham Cancer Center patients might have a bone marrow biopsy to collect a small amount of tissue from inside their bones for testing. The tissue is sent to the lab to diagnose a blood disorder or cancer.

“In dealing with blood disorders, an accurate diagnosis is critical,” said hematologist Scott Hall, M.D. “There are so many different types of blood borne cancers, as well as other benign conditions, and the treatments are all different. Accuracy is essential.”

In addition to caring for his own patients, Hall, who is board certified in internal medicine and hematology, has been reviewing and interpreting all the bone marrow biopsies performed at the Graham Cancer Center since 2005. He sees some 200 to 300 biopsies a year.

“Each year, among our patients diagnosed with a hematologic condition, 10% to 20% seek a second opinion from an outside hospital prior to treatment,” Hall said.

A look back at these cases over the last couple of decades shows that Hall’s diagnoses matched 100% with the second opinions offered by other institutions known for their expertise in hematologic care. These include the University of Pennsylvania, Johns Hopkins, Jefferson Health, Cooper University and the National Institutes of Health.

“Dr. Hall’s proficiency in interpreting bone marrow biopsies reflects a standard of quality and reliability that aligns with the top academic medical centers in our area,” said Nicholas J. Petrelli, M.D., Bank of America Endowed Medical Director at the Graham Cancer Center.

“It’s another reason why patients need not travel elsewhere for excellence in hematologic care.”