General anaesthetic

Hi 

i recently had a suspected melanoma removed from my back. It was done under local anaesthetic which is where you’re awake but numb. I wouldn’t have thought it would be done under a general anaesthetic as most excision biopsies are done under local. There’s more info here on bcc removal 

https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/skin-cancer/treatment/surgery/surgery-small-skin-cancers 

I also live alone and didn’t require any help, though I did feel fragile and tired. 

Hi Penny

Thank you for that. I must admit I am confused as to why they want to use a general anaesthetic.  The BCC is the size of my thumb nail !. 

When I looked up the procedure for general anaesthetic it scared me because there seem to be lots of issues in using it.

I have emailed them to find out what is happening but I haven't heard anything. 

The private limited company doing it worries me sick too. They don't like me asking questions and the consultant is horrible.

Yes seems a bit excessive, especially when all sites online say local unless exceptional circumstances. Hate to say it but it’s probably for their financial gain! Can you speak to whoever referred you to them? That’s what I would do 

Hi Penny2025

This really does sound odd to me.  I have had a bcc on my face for at least a couple of years.  Because the NHs wait has changed for me from 3-4 months to over a year I’ve chosen to go privately. This is hopefully next month.  The plastic surgeon I found online and local for me,  said the  excision procedure lasts around an hour under a local anaethestic and this includes having flap surgery to close the wound as it’s too big to just close up and on my face. 

i do hope are able to discuss your queries with a doctor such as your GP or a health professional to clarify what is planned for you.

Please let us all know how you get on.

Sorry I meant to reply to Polly84

Hi everyone. 

Thank you for your kindness.  This is really worrying me. I have looked up the number of the cancer unit at the hospital tomorrow to find out what they say about it.

I hope they will do something about it.

• Because they are a PLC and not NHS they say they can dictate what they do and don't have to follow pathways. They weren't going to tell me I had cancer for 3 months after my biopsy results came back to them and I insisted I was given them.

I worry that because of this that is why the consultant is doing what he is. He is a horrible person who spoke to me in a manner that shocked me.

Please may I ask how much it cost to go privately to have it done. I am seriously considering doing this instead of having him deal with it.

It's frightening to be honest but I am going to see if I can get some idea of what to do tomorrow. 

You don’t have to proceed with them, it is your choice. I’m guessing the nhs in your area have outsourced this service due to waiting times etc. from what I understand about BCC, others are waiting for a couple of years for their initial operation because it is a very slow growing growth. Any procedure is carried out only with your consent, if you have any worries or reservations these should be addressed beforehand- you are your own advocate