How can I find the best consultants for skin cancer? Covered by BUPA

[Jarstastic]

DH has had a lump on his outer ear for a few years. I don't think it has grown recently. It sometimes heals and sometimes bleeds he picks at it when he's stressed. It didn't occur to me that it could be cancer. I am kicking myself for not asking him to go to the doctors.

He has been to the GP recently who has referred him to the local hospital and says he should be seen within 2 weeks. He is convinced he is going to die soon. He says the GP said it was cancerous due to the way the veins ran in it (?).

I'd like him to get the fastest treatment. We have BUPA through his work and we paid for the max cover for the whole family. There are no excesses or limits on it. I'm trying to find the best consultants we could go through BUPA. Any personal recommendations or general resources on how to find recommended consultants? DH works in central London.

first thing you need to know is who the referral was made to - ENT/dermatology/someone else?
with insight that this sounds more flippant than it should - if it hasn't killed him in the years you say it's been there, it's not likely to in the couple of weeks it'll take to get an appointment.

I have just been diagnosed with melanoma on the NHS and tried to go private for follow up biopsies on other suspicious lesions. Turns out there's a shortage of dermatologists and it was quicker to get the 2 week NHS appt (took 3 weeks) than a private one.

My insurer (AXA) told me the names of the consultants they covered for skin cancer, I could then look at their profiles and turns out they are also NHS Drs from the unit I'm under.

So, ring BUPA, find out who they cover then look them up on the private hospital website.

Also, check your cover allows Central London hospitals, I know you said it was max but despite my work being based in central London and me paying for the max package the insurance via my job doesn't cover C London.

Good luck

I use BUPA after a melanoma diagnosis. I read reviews about them and chose one I stuck to till he moved. I go every 3 months for checks and have moved on if I didn't really feel well checked over. Think I've found another one I like.
BUPA don't pay for private checks but if I need treatment I know it will be with the same consultant.
Wait and see though. I've also had a basal cell carcinoma removed which is not dangerous and very rarely causes problems. It also would clear up and grow back. I left it for years! Thought it was a wart or strange spot

Ring Bupa, they will give you names of Consultants in your area.

If you pm me I will give you the name of the consultant who l saw, not for skin cancer but for another dermatological problem which required laser treatment. ( a venous lake on my lip if you are interested) . He does however specialise in skin cancers. He has a private clinic in Harley Street , where I went, but is also a consultant at UCH.

Thank you.

He was referred for dermatology oncology I think.

Yes, should be covered for central London I've had consultations approvals anyway.

I've discovered Mohs surgery so am looking at the consultants with that on their profile on the BUPA website and are also platinum certified.

Absolutely. However, he has emotional ups and downs at the best of times (there are good reasons for this); the sooner he is in front of the right person who can reassure him, or put a plan of action into place the better.

He’ll get seen within two weeks. They are very fast in dermatology.

I've had both basal cell carcinoma and an in situ melanoma. Have cover from work through Axa and if you want to pm me I can let you know the dermatologist & both surgeons who treated me at the Shard / Guys.

Tania Cubison at the McIndoe and dr Shergill do Mohs reconstruction together

I’ve heard a lot of positive things about Dr. Ophelia Veraitch, she’s a private dermatology consultant with a clinic on Harley Street.