What This Service Is — And Is Not
Given how significant this area of medicine is, it's especially important to be clear about what this consultation can and cannot offer.
This consultation provides:
- An independent second opinion on a cancer diagnosis, staging, or treatment plan
- Review of pathology reports, imaging, and clinical letters, with a clear explanation of what they mean
- Clarification of treatment options, and the evidence behind them, so you can take part in decisions with more confidence
- Specialist palliative care support — symptom management, quality of life, and support throughout the course of the illness
- Guidance on what questions to ask your treating hospital team
- Support in understanding information received in another language, for international patients diagnosed or started on treatment in another country
This consultation does not provide:
- Administration of chemotherapy or other systemic therapies — these always require in-person administration at a hospital or specialist unit
- Active management of your cancer treatment in place of your treating hospital team
- Initial cancer diagnosis — diagnostic confirmation requires biopsy and in-person investigation
- Response to oncology emergencies — fever during treatment, sudden severe pain, or any acute change requires direct contact with your hospital team or emergency services
If you do not yet have a diagnosis and have symptoms that are worrying you, our GP Consultation or Family and General Medicine Consultation is the appropriate starting point — your doctor assesses the symptoms and coordinates urgent investigation and referral when indicated.
When This Consultation Can Help
After a Recent Diagnosis. Receiving a cancer diagnosis is overwhelming, and it's common to leave the hospital appointment unable to absorb or ask everything you needed to. This consultation gives you time and space to review your diagnosis calmly, with an oncologist who can explain, unhurried, what it means.
Before Deciding on a Treatment Plan. If you've been offered a treatment plan and want to better understand the options, risks, and expected benefits before moving forward, an independent second opinion can give you confidence that you're making the most informed decision possible.
When You've Received Differing Opinions. If you've consulted more than one specialist and received different recommendations, our oncologist can help you understand the clinical reasoning behind each approach and which is most aligned with current evidence for your specific situation.
When the Diagnosis Was Made in Another Country. For international patients or expats who received a cancer diagnosis in their home country and are now in Portugal, or who are considering continuing treatment here, this consultation allows review of the diagnosis and treatment plan in the Portuguese clinical context.
For Palliative Care Support. When the focus of care shifts to quality of life, symptom control, and comfort — whether alongside active treatment or as the main approach — our oncologist provides specialist palliative care support, with the same availability and care at this stage of the journey.
For Family and Carers. This consultation is also available for family members and carers who need to better understand a loved one's situation, what to expect, and how best to support them — with the appropriate consent from the patient.
What Your Consultation Includes
Complete Review of Clinical Documentation. Your oncologist reviews in full any pathology report, imaging, clinical letter, or treatment plan you bring to the consultation — building a complete clinical picture before any discussion.
Clear, Unhurried Explanation. Your oncologist explains your diagnosis, staging, and treatment options in accessible language, at your pace, answering all the questions you have — including ones you may not have had the chance to ask before.
Independent Clinical Perspective. Where applicable, your oncologist discusses whether current evidence supports the proposed treatment plan, whether there are alternative evidence-based approaches to consider, and what to ask your treating team.
Palliative Care Support. For patients at any stage of the cancer journey — including advanced disease — your oncologist provides specialist support focused on symptom management, quality of life, and wellbeing, with close attention to your priorities and those of your family.
Guidance on Next Steps. Based on the conversation, your oncologist advises on the most appropriate next steps — which may include specific questions to raise with your hospital team, suggesting assessment by another subspecialty, or simply the confidence that the path already set out is the right one.
Who This Consultation Is For
- Patients who have recently received a cancer diagnosis and want more time and clarity than they had at the hospital appointment
- Patients considering a proposed treatment plan who are seeking a second opinion before deciding
- Patients who have received differing recommendations from different specialists
- International patients or expats diagnosed in another country, who want a review in the Portuguese clinical context
- Patients in palliative care, or their families, seeking additional specialist support
- Family members and carers who want to better understand the situation and how to support
Why Choose Our Care
Oncologists registered with the Medical Oncology College. Our oncologists are registered with the Medical Oncology College of the Portuguese Medical Association — the credential that confers the clinical competence for this conversation.
Time and space that a hospital appointment doesn't always allow. We know hospital oncology appointments are often short and packed with information. This consultation is designed to give you the time you need to process, ask questions, and understand.
Support in palliative care too. Our support doesn't end when active treatment ends. Our oncologists provide the same care and availability for patients and families in palliative care.
Experience with international patients. For expat patients navigating a cancer diagnosis away from home, or comparing options between different health systems, our oncologists have specific experience supporting this population.
Multilingual. Consultations available in Portuguese, English, Spanish, Czech, and Romanian — particularly important in an area where understanding every detail, in your own language, makes all the difference.
Flexible appointments. We know oncology decisions rarely wait. We offer same-day and advance appointments, depending on your need.
