Women with breast cancer who seek a second opinion on their mammograms from experienced specialists at a major cancer center frequently get a new plan for their care, a new study shows. Some even learn that they have cancer in more locations than they think.

After a consultation, 7 percent of all patients in the new study found out that they had more cancer in the same breast - or a previously undiscovered tumor in the other breast. Many other patients received advice from the consulting physicians that altered their imaging or treatment plans.

These new research findings, made by a team at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center, were presented at the national meeting of the Radiological Society of North America.

The data show that seeking a second opinion for breast cancer may make a big difference in a patient's diagnosis and treatment. Second opinions are often covered by insurance, but patients usually need to seek them on their own.