Should I get suspicious mole removed privately or wait for NHS?

[nye23]

I have a suspicious mole. I first noticed it in the summer (and deeply regret not dealing with it then) but it went down and then came back up again a couple of months later. Finally saw the GP on 8 December. He was concerned and referred it urgently. I expected to get an appt with a dermatologist but instead I was contacted by a medical photography company. They photographed the mole on 23 December and said I'd be contacted within two weeks if it 'requires further investigation' by NHS dermatologists.

I've spent the festive season going out of my mind with worry, so DH has suggested I try to get it removed/biopsied privately in the first week of Jan. Assuming this is possible, is it a good idea? I really want a dermatologist to see it in real life asap. But if I go down that path and it is cancerous, can I get referred back to the NHS for treatment? Everything I've read says that early intervention is super important (and again, I regret ignoring it to begin with) but am I better off leaving it another week or two to see what the NHS has to say?

I really am very stressed about it 😞

I had 2 dodgy moles, 1 worse than the other.

The first one i went to the drs with (tummy) and was on the 2 week referral. Went to local skin clinic, they wanted to remove it. As I was about to leave, the Dr looked at one on my neck - looked more like an age spot to me.

She then requested a biospy of it. The surgeon was not impressed and couldn't understand why the Dr was even bothered about it. She did the biopsy and it came back as lentigo maligna.

That was removed the next week.

It was all very quick. So I guess I'm saying, I would wait for nhs unless money is no object.

The photography is much better than a person looking at it. It's like a scan - it captures much more detail and depth than a human eye can. It will be reviewed by an expert and they will be able to tell you if any further action is required.

More for reassurance, have you looked up what proportion of dodgy moles turn out to be nothing? I suspect its quite high. I have had two removed, several years apart, and they were both benign.

Thank you for your response. I hope everything was ok in the end.

Do you mind me asking how long ago this was? The photographer sort of implied that they've been brought in to help deal with a backlog.

Money is a bit of an object. I can afford a mole removal but not a full course of cancer treatment - and I understand NHS is better for that sort of thing anyway.

Thank you, that's interesting about the photography.

This is my second urgent referral, the first was about 18 months ago and was benign. At the time a GP friend told me that 93% of mole referrals are not cancer. But unfortunately my stressed out brain has decided this time mine is among the other 7%...

My DH had his consultant visit a few days ago , 29th . We had the photo taken in the Sunday before Christmas Eve , so seen in 12 days . Including Christmas. We’ve been told it will be removed within 2weeks . We’re chasing on the second if we haven’t heard . Not sure if this helps at all but , just to give time scales . Back tracking a bit , he was seen within 2 weeks of seeing GP , would have been quicker, but they rang with a date while we were away , so they gave us the day after we got back . Good luck 🤞

I'd personally just wait for the 2 weeks and hope that a dermatologist looks at it. Maybe set up a private appointment for the week after just incase the NHS don't look into it but I'm sure they will.

My experience with the NHS was amazing I have to say...referred to dermatology, seen, photographed and off within a month. And that was for a red scaly lesion that kinda just looked like a spot, it went pale, then red, then crusty then smooth and the dermatologist took one look and said she wasn't concerned at all. Worst case was a BCC (slow growing cancer) that would take a life time to cause issues.
I was given the option of a biopsy but really didn't see the point and had it off. She did it whilst I was 32 weeks pregnant and I'm so glad I went for that option as it was a BCC and did need removing.

I've known a few people have moles and lesions and not need any further treatment so I know it's stressful but it's likely a case of whipping it off and being done. My dad's had varying skin cancers removed and never needed any further treatment either. I'd just try and remain calm I'm sure they will see you in person but as I said maybe set up an appointment for the week after the 2 weeks is up.

Recently had 3 moles removed by NHS. Second time having dodgy moles flagged up. Cannot fault.

saw Dr and was referred within 2 weeks, it was a remote/online appointment where I had to photograph and upload my moles- given a 10 day window to hear back, heard back within 12 hours saying I will be shortly receive an appointment to the dermatology appointment for biopsy/removal.

all 3 moles were benign.

had 5 taken off last summer, all 5 benign.

Thank you all for your responses, they are very reassuring. I think I've had a bit too much spare time to think this week! I will at least give them their two weeks before going private. @Popetthetreehugger I hope all goes well for your DH!

Just thought I'd update on this in case anyone else is going through similar. NHS called me yesterday and offered me an appointment today, so that's 13 days after the photography including Xmas and during the doctors' strike! I had booked a private appt for tomorrow but obv have cancelled it now, saving myself £200!

The NHS dermatologist didn't seem particularly concerned but they're going to do an excision and biopsy just in case. Excision should be within 2-3 weeks.