Got second opinion abroad and it's very different from NHS r

I came across the pond to visit family and thought of getting a second opinion while I was here.

 

20 days ago I had a colposcopy at my local NHS hospital, a biopsy sample was taken and results came back as low grade, so should wait 12 months. 

 

Today I saw an oncologist who did another colposcopy. Her opinion is that in reality I have high grade cell changes and she suggests  to get a cone biopsy done within 12 months. 

Results/opinions are very different and I would rather get it done within the NHS. What's the best way to approach this? I'm sure they'll tell me I should just wait 12 months regardless. 

  • It's hard to give an opinion as it is unclear whether you were treated as an NHS or private patient and what your NHS eligibility is (giving you are living across the pond).

    It would be for your doctors to advice on timings, I feel.  

    Something to bear in mind perhaps is that private patients have more control over timings than NHS ones.

    Personally, I have had the frustration of gynae appointments being cancelled at very short notice.

    Also, there is a big shortfall in gynae care in some areas with non-urgent procedures being delayed.  

  • I'm a dual national/resident. I normally live in the UK, I just came to MX to visit family. 

    Im 100% NHS public treatment (there's no private option on Cornwall where I live).

    This is not about timings, it's that the diagnosis is actually different . 

  • Ah, that makes a lot more sense ... I misread your original post. Apologies!

    I guess it may have depended where the biopsy was taken from. Samples can vary.

    I've had different opinions too on occasion re biopsies in which case I think you go with the more severe finding.  

    That still doesn't answer your question how best to approach things... 

    Personally, I'd write directly to the local hospital enclosing the latest report (using details on NHS hospital report or original NHS referral letter) and copy in my GP. If you have a named Consultant, you could write to or e-mail their Secretary.

    The alternative way to go about things – which some hospitals prefer – is to write first to your own GP and ask them to progress things for you with the hospital.

    If you were discharged back to GP, then it has to be the latter approach.

    It is worth trying to progress things, because a 12-month appointment can all too easily in today's world become an 18-month one. So important to make doctors aware of the new information.

  • Should add that if you get any new symptoms you should go back to your GP. Things can change. I've had routine referrals changed to urgent when needed.

    Sorry my brain not fully in gear today! X