NHS 1st stage referral to dermatology

Hi Rach2020  I am not too sure what Advice and guideance is.  My gp put me on the 2 week cancer pathway with NHS but I did go privtely but did have an NHS appointment quickly if I had wanted it, so wonder if it is that. GP wasn't sure what it was but was worried enough to think skin cancer and it was.  I saw dermatologist but, can you believe, 8 week wait privtately, but he took one look and referred me to a plastic surgeon as needed specialised care.  Saw him within 10 days and operation within 2 weeks.  Did gp mention what he thought it may be or needed advice.  How long have you had it and what is it like. My gp gave me some antifungal cream at first to try but didnt change it, then he said it needed attention.  Mine was like a raised red area that had a black scab on.  Feel free to ask any questions you like, there will be someone on here who can help.  This site has been so informative and helpful to me.  Good Luck xx

Hi Harlyn. Thanks so much for your response. My guess was that the advice & guidance team was the first step for their own confirmation before referring to dermatology but that is purely a guess! The GP didn’t say anything to me about what they thought it was but did note the size of it (I think it’s fairly small about 2mm, but I’m not sure what the ‘normal’ size of these things would be). I’ve had it for over 4 weeks now it started off as a red spot (I remember thinking it’s going to be a pimple) then changed to light pink/almost transparent, now it’s gone red with tiny red scabs. My GP did also advise to use a steroid cream but I read that if the spot is actually skin cancer then it would actually hinder the healing process so I don’t know whether to use it. Sorry for the long reply! Thanks again for your reply. X

Mine was like transparent and you could see tiny blood vessels in it and then it scabbed.  I am so cross I didnt take pictures of it before I had it dealt with, got loads of after pictures but no before ones.  Good luck xx

I’m my case, from GP to Dermatologists, 7 weeks, cut out same day seeing dermatology. Results in 2 weeks. RVI Newcastle 

Hi harlyn 

I'm replying to uou on here and not privately as I've been having a real problem with this site for some reason...  hoping that you're ok and are able to relax a bit now that we're into winter

Hi Puckettyboo Nice to hear from you.  Yes I am ok thank you and happier, like you will be, now the sun isnt shining too often  I am still using Factor 50 on my face still and will do until end of November as Consultant told me to.  Hubby said I bet you will continue and use it every day, how well he knows me, I just smiled and nodded.  How are things with you and family xx

Hi Harlyn

So sorry for replying on here and not privately... I'm having real problems with either the site or my phone..... I'm OK thanks and yes I'm still wearing factor 50 and looking forward to winter with a low UV index..... I see the consultant in February for what may be my last follow up unless he decides to biopsy a couple of pimple type things I've had for a while.... so far they haven't changed in a year. I'll keep trying to message you privately... 

Yes ..

Advice and guidance is just that. your doctor asks a specialist or specialist department for advice having passed on your symptoms the guidance bit is either recommend a referral or what treatment your GP can prescribe.

Hi Rach2020 I thin it is the dermatology department he has sent it to them for them to asses what they see.  Normally if they think it could be anything sinister they will contact you for a face to face appointment.  They often do this as gp's are not too good at diagnosing these skin cancers and seek help, to avoid you going for unnecessary appointments if considered to be ok.  Let us hope all is ok.  How long have you had it.  When I went to my gp with my first bcc, the gp was very unsure what it was. He gave me fungal cream to use first and then when it didnt respond, he did say he wasnt sure what it was and needed dermatology.  I went to see dermatologist privately and he referred me to plastic surgeon as I needed surgery on it.  Once these specialists see it, they know more or less straight away what it is.  Bupa had a skin laboratory working for them and I had to use a special camera they sent me, take a picture of the spot, email it them, and within half an hour a dr rang me and confrmed I had a bcc and it needed treatment, so these photographs do work.  Good Luck and keep in touch as this group is fantastic. We offer help and support to one another and i found it invaluablexx