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Private Dermatologist rather than NHS

KTS1
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Hi

i have been referred on the two week urgent referral for a potential skin cancer, however in my areas the dermatologist unit is so delayed I still haven’t seen anyone after 3 weeks.

this week I decided to have a private appointment and they have told me that the lession  needs a biopsy which they can do next week. And I will get the results in 3 weeks. 

I have concerns if this will effect any NHS treatment that I may need following the biopsy, as I won’t be able to self fund cancer treatment if required, has anyone else done this or should I stick with the wait on the NHS referral system 

just worried as the lession is getting larger and not sure how much longer I can wait for treatment 

thanks for any advise 

  • Hello KTS

    There is a long wait at all dermatology departmenrs. Our NHS trust is around 9 months from getting GP referral to get treatment for BBC lesions but quicker if SCC or melanoma. Even paying privately there can be waits of several weeks. If you dont have the £900 to £1500 funds to pay for example a BCC removal and aftercare there is not much advantage to having the earlier diagnosis. You can ask for a price at your local private hospital. If you could pay it off over 12 months consider using a credit card. 

    Ed

  • Offline in reply to Farmer_Ed

    Hi you  don’t happen to know how long a wait for a melanoma would be on the NHS? 

    I can have the lession removed next week privately and they told me it would be 3 weeks for results. Then possibly further treatment. I can afford the initial treatment and a second potential operation for a further removal but am more concerned about long term if it’s more serious, would the NHS take me back for this treatment 

    Any advice would be very much appreciated 

    thanks 

  • Hello and thanks for posting

    It must be very frustrating to have expected an appointment within two weeks and then find out that you need to wait longer. Many people find this period of uncertainty the hardest part, as it can feel as though everything is on hold and out of their control. It is therefore not surprising that you are feeling worried.

    When you pay for a private biopsy, it should not stop you getting NHS treatment later if needed. Many people have private tests to get answers more quickly and then return to the NHS for any surgery, treatment, or follow-up care they need.

    As your lesion is getting bigger, having the biopsy done privately could help you get a diagnosis sooner. If you go ahead, make sure you get copies of the dermatologist's report, biopsy results, and any treatment notes. These can be shared with your GP and NHS dermatology team.

    I hope everything goes okay. Give us a ring if you would like to talk anything over. The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    Kind regards,

    Celene

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