A cancer diagnosis is the most important moment to seek a second opinion. Studies consistently show that oncology second opinions change or refine the treatment plan in 20–40% of cases. Yet in the United States, a multidisciplinary tumour board second opinion can cost $2,000–$5,000 and take 4–8 weeks to arrange — time and money that a patient under a new diagnosis can barely afford. Mexico City's oncology centres offer the same review for $400–$800, typically within 5–10 business days.
What Is a Multidisciplinary Tumour Board Review?
A tumour board is a formal meeting of specialists — typically a medical oncologist, radiation oncologist, surgical oncologist, radiologist, and pathologist — who review your case together and reach a consensus treatment recommendation. It is the gold standard for cancer care decisions and is standard practice at all top Mexico City oncology centres. Star Medica Centro Medico and Hospital ABC both convene weekly tumour boards with international case participation, and their lead oncologists hold fellowships from MD Anderson, Memorial Sloan Kettering, and the National Cancer Institute.
2026 Oncology Cost Comparison
| Procedure / Service | Mexico City | United States | Saving |
|---|---|---|---|
| Second Opinion & Diagnostics | |||
| Multidisciplinary Tumour Board Review | $400–$800 | $2,000–$5,000 | ~80% |
| PET-CT Scan — full body | $750–$1,300 | $3,500–$8,000 | ~80% |
| Pathology Review (second read) | $200–$450 | $800–$2,000 | ~75% |
| Treatment | |||
| Mastectomy + Reconstruction | $13,000–$24,000 | $50,000–$90,000 | ~75% |
| Chemotherapy — per cycle estimate | $1,200–$4,000 | $7,000–$20,000 | ~74% |
| Immunotherapy — targeted, per cycle | $3,500–$8,000 | $15,000–$40,000 | ~76% |
| Radiation Therapy — full course | $8,000–$18,000 | $40,000–$90,000 | ~78% |
| Gamma Knife Radiosurgery | $6,000–$12,000 | $25,000–$50,000 | ~75% |
How the Second Opinion Process Works
The process begins before you travel. You share your pathology slides (or block), imaging files (DICOM format from your CD/USB), and all prior reports with MexiaHealth's concierge team. We transmit these securely to the oncology centre in Mexico City, which reviews them in advance. In many cases, the tumour board review itself does not require you to be physically present — a final consultation with the lead oncologist is then conducted via video call or in-person if you choose to travel.
Do I need to travel for a second opinion? Not always. For a diagnostic review and tumour board opinion, the process can often be completed remotely with high-quality digital imaging and pathology blocks. For patients who then choose to proceed with treatment in Mexico City, we coordinate the full logistics from that point forward.
When Full Treatment in Mexico City Makes Sense
Patients who pursue the full course of chemotherapy, radiation, or surgical treatment in Mexico City typically do so for one of three reasons: they are uninsured or underinsured in the US, they are facing a wait of more than 3–4 weeks to begin treatment at home (common in Canada for radiation), or they have received a poor or uncertain prognosis at home and wish to explore options at a high-volume centre with a different multidisciplinary team.
For treatment courses that span weeks or months, MexiaHealth coordinates extended-stay accommodation, maintains weekly communication between your Mexico City oncology team and your home physician, manages prescription logistics, and arranges return flights between treatment cycles where medically appropriate.
Proton Therapy and Advanced Modalities
Mexico City's top oncology centres offer a full range of advanced radiation modalities including stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT), intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), and gamma knife radiosurgery at Star Medica. Proton therapy is not currently available in Mexico City — patients requiring proton therapy are typically referred to centres in the US or Europe.
Taking the First Step
A new cancer diagnosis is an overwhelming moment. Our concierge team has coordinated cancer care for hundreds of patients and understands that the most important thing right now is clarity — not pressure. Contact us for a free, no-obligation review of your case. We will tell you honestly whether Mexico City is the right option for you, and if so, what your realistic timeline and cost would look like.
Ready to Explore Your Options?
Get a free, personalised cost estimate from our concierge team — no commitment required.