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

[onlyWotz]

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.

[HorseyWoman]

But if moles become irritable and sore there may be a problem. It's not a case of just any old mole you want removing; it's a mole that may be an indicator of something else, and also moles that are always in sunlight - you can't cover them up!

[NomDePlumeCantFindTheCatch]

You can be referred to NHS plastic surgeons for 'cosmetic' work.

[littlerach]

Hmm, DH had a lump removed form his backl last year.
No talk of it even ,aybe being cancerous.
No vanity reasons as on his back.

[NomDePlumeCantFindTheCatch]

Can I just say that most NHS consultants do 'private' work so you are actually getting the SAME doctor as you would on the NHS.

The only differnces are

A) you are paying through the nose for it,

B) you will prob get it done quicker

C) the aftercare may well be slightly better. Higher nurse to patient ratio, longer stay in hospital (no bed managers kicking pts out onto the street a little sooner than is perhaps advisable).....

[3littlefrogs]

Hi tissy - yes - I am sure it must happen - but I haven't experienced it myself. Mind you - it is a tricky situation. I work with cancer patients and I could tell you some real horror stories of patients who could not get their GP to refer them, and could not afford to go privately. (This has NOTHING to do with the OP by the way - just a general observation).

I guess if I was the consultant and saw a patient privately who needed urgent treatment, but could not afford to pay, that would present something of a dilemma if I knew that any delay would be dangerous, and the NHS route would take a while. The patient has to get back into the NHS system somehow.

However, queue jumping for non-urgent surgery is a different matter. Your friend's colleague sounds a nasty piece of work. I agree - it sounds as if it was very badly handled.

[onlyWotz]

I am going to make another appointment and see a different GP for a second opinion and request a referral to the plastic surgeons. The PALS has told me to inform the GP that the PCT have been informed and will look at the referral again.

Also suggested to take pics with me, to show difference.

Fingers crossed for another appointment in am.

Thanks for all your responses.

[LaCerbiatta]

I had a mole removed from my face next to my ear. Got an appointment with the plastic surgeon in 1 week. He decided it did't look malignant at all but said it would be better to remove it because it was a bit hairy and my baby would pull the hairs (I was pregnant at the time). ANyway, he did an amazing job, no stitches, hardly a scar (and I scar really really badly). I had a small lump removed from my arm 8 years ago by a GP and he made a horrible mess... it got more lumpy and noticeable than before. I still have a big purple scar. Don't have it done by a GP.
My suggestion would be to see a different GP and say that it has changed recently. It has become a bit lumpier or something (that's what had happened to mine). They really should refer you.

[onlyWotz]

I suppose I am fed up that I was just told to go away and they didn't even think to do anything about it. Maybe if I show them my before and after pics, that might help?

I have been on the phone to the Patient Advice and Liaison Service for my area - found it on PCT website (primary care trust), so will see what they say, should phone me back later about guidance and procedures for getting a referal.

[CoteDAzur]

My brother had several moles removed from his face years ago because he kept cutting them up while shaving. He saw several specialists who warned him that mole removal on the face is rather dangerous, because of the nerves and muscles everywhere (hence the myriad expressions we can make), and that he could end up losing feeling or even partially paralyzed.

Ask about this regarding the position of your moles on your face, and go for the very best esthetic surgeon you can afford.

[tissy]

3lf- actually they do, often. I have a friend, whose life was made hell by a colleague who did exactly that- she shopped him to the managers- his response was "loads of people do it". His wrists were slapped, he reported her to the GMC for a load of fabricated misdemeanours. While she was being investigated, she was suspended (he wasn't)and was off work for a couple of YEARS on full pay. Great use of the NHS's money

[BrownSuga]

that's rubbish, get a new gp, mine referred me to have morgan spots removed from top of left breast. completely cosmetic, no chance of them being cancerous at all.

besides how does he know they're not potentially cancerous. insist as due to the soreness you want them removed and sent for testing.

[aloha]

I have quite a large flat scar on my right inner forearm from where a gp removed a mole decades ago. I don't mind it where it is, but would be devastated if that scar was on my face.

[onlyWotz]

thanks ATM will do.

[AttilaTheMeerkat]

Have a look at themoleclinic.co.uk - you can self refer to these people.

[onlyWotz]

pics now there, have a look at my moles! Pics will be removed soon even if moles aren't!

Uuummm Paris

[Slouchy]

I've just had 2 taken off my tummy at Gps surgery (minor op). Wouldn't want the exact same procedure on my face for cosmetic reasons - there is a little bit of scarring - but one of the moles was removed purely for reasons of vanity and 'while we are at it, we'll whip that one off, shall we?' type thing.

Go back, make a fuss. Or see another GP. Good luck.

[3littlefrogs]

Tissy - actually they don't put the patient straight onto the waiting list - they write to the GP tactfully but firmly suggesting/asking that a NHS referral should be made, using the correct procedure. I don't see anything technically wrong with that, if the GP is not prepared to refer the patient either of his own volition or at the patient's request. Just wanted to make that clear. My reference to cheating was simply an acknowledgement that some people cannot manage the private consultation so cannot get past (or through) the GP.

[Anna8888]

onlyWotz - I have a really good cosmetic dermatologist here in Paris who could probably do a procedure like this as day surgery and it definitely wouldn't cost £800. Consultatations are around EUR 70. If you want a number/name, let me know.

[Cloudhopper]

I agree with expat. If it's on your face, you want the lowest risk of scarring.

I speak as someone with a scar on my forehead caused by an accident at work when I was 16. It didn't bother me so much when I was younger, but as I get older it shows up more. A facial scar can make you self-conscious.

Ask around your area, because it may be that some GPs are more 'lenient' than others.

[expatinscotland]

In my dad's case, sometimes, the mole was deeper than it looked on appearance so the surgeon had to go a little deeper to get it off.

His moles had been on his torso so he wasn't bothered by the scar, but he does have them from mole removal so if it's on your face it couldn't hurt to get a second opinion by a specialist.

Also if you have a history of keloid scarring.

[Blandmum]

My cosin had a very large mole removed from her face. It wasn't cancerous, but it was very big and did upset her. She now has a notociable scar where the mole used to be.

If it were my face, I'd want someone who specilaied in this sort of thing doing it.

[becklespeckle]

I had a few moles I was worried about, including an itchy raised one on my face - GP had a good look and concluded they did not look cancerous and as they had not changed did not recommend removing them. I had another looked at earlier this year as it had grown, gotten much darker and had a cracked appearance around the edges - this one was removed 2 weeks ago (and thankfully tests showed it was harmless) and I have now got a 2 inch scar under my arm instead. When I saw the specialist about this mole I also asked him to look at the others I was worried about and he agreed with GP that they were fine.

[Tigana]

What tissy said.

[tissy]

taken from netdoctor:

What are the symptoms of malignancy?


The mole is itchy and painful.


Increased size or an increasingly irregular appearance, especially at the edges.


A change in colour, particularly if the mole gets darker or becomes mottled.


Spontaneously bleeding.


Satellite pigmented lesions.


If any of the above apply, then the GP should be referring you to a specialist, not removing it him/ herself. If the above don't apply, then it is safe for a GP to remove it, but, as expat says, I wouldn't have a mole removed from my face by someone who wasn't a plastic surgeon or maxillofacial surgeon. There will be a scar, and unless removed expertly, the scar could be more troublesome than the mole.

3lf- Any NHS surgeon who abuses the waiting list as you suggest risks dismissal for misconduct.

[onlyWotz]

3littlefrogs thanks for that tip.

Hi mosschops, rubbish news isn't it? Glad you are OK, and you're input yesterday made me think about this, otherwise I would have not bothered on mn to say anything.