Mole in...erm...delicate area. Removal Question.

[DerriereDrama]

Hello everyone, I was just wondering if anyone had any experience of mole removal.

I have a very raised mole that is tucked away down Tush Valley (I'm sorry, I'm pathetic) and I have so far made it through life only catching it once, but I nicked it today with a nail and it was like a murder scene. (Slight exaggeration, but it was more bloody than I anticipated). I vaguely wondered if it may have got bigger which is why I caught it. It's more garden pea than petit pois (you're welcome). Anyway, I can't monitor it visually so I don't really know.

My actual question - do I go to the doctor first, or is it a case of saving (many) pennies and just finding a clinic?

How do Drs even know if it's a cosmetic procedure or if there's a medical issue without taking a biopsy? If they take a biopsy is it not easier to just whip the whole thing off? I don't really understand the procedure.

I know. Many stupid questions. Thank you for your time.

[SadSock]

Well I think if it looks dodgy gp would refer to a dermatologist who would then remove for a biopsy. The whole thing would then be gone, I've had it done. If it looks normal you might have to pay yourself to get it off

[DameDiazepamTheDramaQueen]

GP first.

[yeOldeTrout]

I'd go straight for private removal, job done. (by someone you never have to see again). Good luck.

[PollyPerky]

How do you know it's a mole? Has it been there all your life or is it new? Is it brown like a typical mole, or red?

The 'typical' route is GP for a quick look, then you ask for a referral to a dermo. GP might refuse if they think it's benign. At that point you can try to insist or say to GP, okay, I'll have a referral for a private appt please with a dermo (which you will fund.) Please don't go to anyone who is not a fully qualified dermatologist ( a consultant). Some take self referral,s some don't. You can ask their PAs. Look at your local private hosptials to see which consultants work there ( dermos) look at their expertise ( many have websites now so you can check their CVs, training etc) and get some idea of who you want to deal with it. Most work NHS too.

Expect to pay £200 ish for a consultation and anything up to £500 for removal if it includes, cutting, stitching and pathology.

[birdieeeeeeeee]

I had mine removed at the gps. It was pretty painless and the scar isn't noticeable. I nicked it a few times and to be fair although it didn't bother me, I'm glad I don't have it anymore.

[birdieeeeeeeee]

Btw.

It wasn't a suspicious mole and the gp just said that if I want it removing it wasn't a problem.

[DerriereDrama]

Hi Polly! It's been there for yeeeeears. It's a bog standard brown one.

And thanks Birdiiiiiieeee(sp?!, that's good to know! I'd love to be rid of it! Got a couple on my back too that I'd love to get rid of, but they are definitely just cosmetic. I can't believe how expensive it is to get it done.

Thanks for the info, everyone. I hate going to doctor's etc, especially for this kind of thing (I know, ridiculous) so good to get a grasp on how it works.

[klch14]

I have one there too! Mine looks a tad more raised than it did back in my teens early 20s, I'm too embarrassed to go to the doctors rave though I'd only have to pull my knickers down slightly! (Sorry!) is it painful to be removed? Do they just numb it? Etc!

[LozzaChops]

Klch - solidarity fist-bump for the awkward arse adornment crew

[DerriereDrama]

Oh. Name change fail there. Oh well.

[birdieeeeeeeee]

I also had one above my eye which they did. They honestly didn't mind it being cosmetic. I was referred to nhs plastics though for that because it was on my face