Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
General health

Mumsnet doesn't verify the qualifications of users. If you have medical concerns, please consult a healthcare professional.

Original poster

Mole removal from face, GP says NHS still won't do it. I am so upset today.

50 replies

onlyWotz · 30/08/2007 10:36

I know its only a mole, on my face. I have 2. Each every so often one will become inflammed and sore.

Been back to GP (last vist over 2 years ago about same thing). They won't do anything. I said its not for cosmetic reasons as I have lived with them all my life, but I don't like them getiing sore and I am worried. But they just wont't do anything at all, won't even write another letter asking for a referal.

I know some of you have had them removed as I had another thread yesterday.

Told to write to PCT if I am not happy, but GP didn't expect any good would come of it.

I know there are biggger issues on MN, but I am fed up and want to vent.

Any suggestions about what I should do next, are welcome.

OP posts:
Dropdeadfred · 30/08/2007 10:38

what was their reason for not referring you?

RubySlippers · 30/08/2007 10:41

why won't they refer you?
cosmetically it may not be a high priority compared with a cancerous one, but surely you could go on a waiting list

Original poster
onlyWotz · 30/08/2007 10:52

They refer me 2 years ago and the policy is not to do it.
No lumps, bumps to be removed unless cancerous.

OP posts:
Tigana · 30/08/2007 10:57

Most PCTs won't fund removal of moles for non-clinical reasons at all, because they need to budget and use their money for "more important" things ( like cancer treatments etc). Clinical reasons would be something like suspected malignancy (growing in size for example).

Only way would be to go private I suspect.

expatinscotland · 30/08/2007 10:59

I think I'd go private anyway because if it's on your face you want a really good plastic surgeon or dermatologist to get it off.

Tigana · 30/08/2007 11:01
Original poster
onlyWotz · 30/08/2007 11:02

expat - I called a priavte clinic yesterday and it was over £130 for the consulation and over £800 to get it off.

and Tigana -I know what you aare saying and totally agree, but apart form having 2 children I have never really expected too much in return as a tax payer from the NHS.

I know it is not my right, but yesterday mners were saying they were getting them done. Even a GP removed one.

OP posts:
expatinscotland · 30/08/2007 11:04

They remove them if they start to change.

RubySlippers · 30/08/2007 11:05

I thought mole removal could be done by a GP
ie minor surgery rather than having to go to a hospital

MaryAnnSingleton · 30/08/2007 11:06

that's weird - I have had several bumps on my head removed on the NHS - the last being done by my GP a few months ago - they are benign and don't show under my hair but bothered me.

Tigana · 30/08/2007 11:07

Majority PCTs will not fund. Some referrals will get through because referrer over-eggs degree of pain being caused or says the lump is growing or some other 'oooh it could be malignant you know'-type phrase.
Some GP's are able to remove, but again, will only be paid for it if they can make reasonable grounds that it was neccessary.

Sorry wotz, I know the NHS is a pain in the arse when it doesn't do what you want/need it to do.

expatinscotland · 30/08/2007 11:07

Depends on the mole, Ruby.

But if it were on my face, I'd want a consultant doing in, personally.

My dad's had several moles removed - basal cell carcinomas - and they can leave scar marks after removal.

themoon66 · 30/08/2007 11:08

My GP removed mine. He runs his own minor surgery clinic one afternoon a week. He does vasectomies too.

I have no scar and it only took him 5 mins. I did have to go on a waiting list, which was about 4 months long.

I never asked for them removing, he offered when I mentioned that I was a bit fed up of always catching one of them with my comb. He offered to take all three off.

Tigana · 30/08/2007 11:09

Ok...

Some GPs enjoy doing a bit of minor surgery and will whip a benign, non-changing, just rather annoying lump or bump off here and there...

expatinscotland · 30/08/2007 11:11

But on your face, Tig? See, anywhere else would be okay, but I'd be worried if it were on my face.

Tigana · 30/08/2007 11:15

Expat...personally I'd be a little anxious about a GP having swipe at my face too.
But if they are doing it 'officially; then they have to provide evidence of training and quality etc.
Some referal procresses have a way of flagging higher risk ops such as those on the face espcailly those near eyes/ears/nose/mouth to make sure they are carried out by a plastic surgeon or Head and Neck surgeon rather than a general surgeon.

Original poster
onlyWotz · 30/08/2007 11:23

thanks for all replies, he phone went

It has changed. Maybe I should make a fuss, I am not usually very good for making a fuss!

Its just by my smile line above my lip. So maybe I should say it is affecting my health as I can't smile unless I carry one of these as it is sore.

OP posts:
elasticbandstand · 30/08/2007 11:27

how big are thye?
say they are affecting you pscyhologically?

themoon66 · 30/08/2007 11:27

Just say you're forever catching it and making it bleed when you wash your face, apply make-up etc.

Original poster
onlyWotz · 30/08/2007 11:32

pscyhologically, yes I am very fed up. I came home and cried, but then I do have PMT ATM!

Will make more fuss in future.

Infact when I go in GP asks, "How are you?'
And without thinking I reply "Fine thanks' and start to leave!

OP posts:
Tigana · 30/08/2007 11:35

Changes can be important. If your GP won't refer, you could try asking to see a different GP at that practice (if there is one, of course).

Original poster
onlyWotz · 30/08/2007 11:37

I have to work now, but i will be back, may even put a pic up of said mole later!

OP posts:
3littlefrogs · 30/08/2007 11:46

I am puzzled. Any mole that gets sore/inflamed/bleeds should be referred to dermatologist asap. Particularly if it is in an area where it is constantly exposed to UV radiation i.e. on face.

If you can afford a private consultation only - (about 100 - 150 pounds) with a specialist, explaining that you cannot get a referral, you may be able to then get a place on the NHS list. I know it seems like cheating, but sometimes it is the only way.

I have experience of people with serious conditions for whom this has been the only way to get into the NHS queue.

mosschops30 · 30/08/2007 11:50

Hello again I went on your thread yesterday. My GP removed mine on my face, and is doing another one shortly.
I cant believe your GP wont help on this. Is there another surgery you could move to? (dont know how the situation is near you or where you are).
I think this is pretty crap tbh.

JiminyCricket · 30/08/2007 11:52

My GP whipped off a mole on my back that was occasionally sore and it went kind of wrong (I heard him say 'oh dear') and the scar is twice as big as the original mole...