Laser removal of "risky" moles
Discussion
I recently went to see a specialist dermatologist as my wife thought a mole on my back had changed appearance.
When asking about my family history, I explained to the Dr that my brother had been treated 3 times for melanomas, and my Dad recently died from cancer, which started out as a facial melanoma. I'm considered a "high risk" category for skin cancer with 6 monthly body scans.
The Dr checked me over, using a special scanning camera on the moles on my body. The mole my wife thought was a problem isn't, in fact, thankfully. The Dr did, however, suggest me having some others removed by laser as a precaution; I have an appointment for that at the end of next week.
Has anyone had this done?
What can I expect?
Is it going to hurt like a MoFo?
Thanks for any insight, dear PH.
When asking about my family history, I explained to the Dr that my brother had been treated 3 times for melanomas, and my Dad recently died from cancer, which started out as a facial melanoma. I'm considered a "high risk" category for skin cancer with 6 monthly body scans.
The Dr checked me over, using a special scanning camera on the moles on my body. The mole my wife thought was a problem isn't, in fact, thankfully. The Dr did, however, suggest me having some others removed by laser as a precaution; I have an appointment for that at the end of next week.
Has anyone had this done?
What can I expect?
Is it going to hurt like a MoFo?
Thanks for any insight, dear PH.
yep. had mole mapping done a few years back which the doc refers to on my annual checkup.
at the time of the map, there was one that was risky which was removed, quite a big one at that. procedure itself was painless iirc, but the mole site felt raw for a couple of days, like a very minor scald, nothing major.
at the time of the map, there was one that was risky which was removed, quite a big one at that. procedure itself was painless iirc, but the mole site felt raw for a couple of days, like a very minor scald, nothing major.
Out of interest, are the 6 month / 12 month checks via the NHS?
I've had around 10 moles removed so far, all precautionary and mainly surgery. I've been flagged as high risk but nobody has mentioned an annual / 6 month check. To reduce my risk, I've had a few private checks in recent years which flagged a couple to be removed.
I've had around 10 moles removed so far, all precautionary and mainly surgery. I've been flagged as high risk but nobody has mentioned an annual / 6 month check. To reduce my risk, I've had a few private checks in recent years which flagged a couple to be removed.
Sorry I cannot add to the laser beams story, but I had two on my back that a doc wanted removed - but in the waiting time I managed to catch one with my nail and removed it completely. It stung a bit, but not as much as I expected given how much red stuff I left everywhere.
The second was removed by a trainee doc in hospital, it felt like someone had put a bit of paper on my back and was drawing on the paper with a soft pencil - I felt a trickle of red stuff slide down my back and looked around to see them halfway through sewing it up. No swimming for a good while, but all clear now, although I do have a decent scar - on my back that I can't see.
Get them removed if the doc aint happy with them, and monitor the others! - they do go bad.
The second was removed by a trainee doc in hospital, it felt like someone had put a bit of paper on my back and was drawing on the paper with a soft pencil - I felt a trickle of red stuff slide down my back and looked around to see them halfway through sewing it up. No swimming for a good while, but all clear now, although I do have a decent scar - on my back that I can't see.
Get them removed if the doc aint happy with them, and monitor the others! - they do go bad.
I had my treatment today. I was amazed how quick it was - in and out in under 15 minutes.
I had 7 moles removed from my back, and one from the back of my right hand.
I'm a little uncomfortable this afternoon now the local anesthetic has worn off, and I have to keep my back dry and the dressings on for the next 3 days.
A check up has been booked for 3 weeks' time.
I had 7 moles removed from my back, and one from the back of my right hand.
I'm a little uncomfortable this afternoon now the local anesthetic has worn off, and I have to keep my back dry and the dressings on for the next 3 days.
A check up has been booked for 3 weeks' time.
Can I ask if these procedures were done through the NHS? I’ve got quite a few moles on my back, some raised, some flat which I’ve been to the doctors a few times to get checked up
Most recently went to a private skin clinic and was told they wouldn’t remove any as it would mean cutting the skin around and actually digging them out. They aren’t big or cause me any issues apart from feeling a bit self conscious if I’m on holiday or swimming, but obviously there’s a small chance they could turn into something more sinister down the line
Most recently went to a private skin clinic and was told they wouldn’t remove any as it would mean cutting the skin around and actually digging them out. They aren’t big or cause me any issues apart from feeling a bit self conscious if I’m on holiday or swimming, but obviously there’s a small chance they could turn into something more sinister down the line
GeordieJord said:
Can I ask if these procedures were done through the NHS? I’ve got quite a few moles on my back, some raised, some flat which I’ve been to the doctors a few times to get checked up
Most recently went to a private skin clinic and was told they wouldn’t remove any as it would mean cutting the skin around and actually digging them out. They aren’t big or cause me any issues apart from feeling a bit self conscious if I’m on holiday or swimming, but obviously there’s a small chance they could turn into something more sinister down the line
Mine was done NHS, brilliant service, yes, they chop out a decent area and depth, so yes, you are left with a scar where the mole was, but hey, chicks dig scars!Most recently went to a private skin clinic and was told they wouldn’t remove any as it would mean cutting the skin around and actually digging them out. They aren’t big or cause me any issues apart from feeling a bit self conscious if I’m on holiday or swimming, but obviously there’s a small chance they could turn into something more sinister down the line
You get a letter in the post a fair while after it saying "mole was benign" - or I think you would get a phone call if they thought it wasn't benign. They do only remove moles that they don't like the look of.
GeordieJord said:
Can I ask if these procedures were done through the NHS? I’ve got quite a few moles on my back, some raised, some flat which I’ve been to the doctors a few times to get checked up
Most recently went to a private skin clinic and was told they wouldn’t remove any as it would mean cutting the skin around and actually digging them out. They aren’t big or cause me any issues apart from feeling a bit self conscious if I’m on holiday or swimming, but obviously there’s a small chance they could turn into something more sinister down the line
I'm not in the UK.Most recently went to a private skin clinic and was told they wouldn’t remove any as it would mean cutting the skin around and actually digging them out. They aren’t big or cause me any issues apart from feeling a bit self conscious if I’m on holiday or swimming, but obviously there’s a small chance they could turn into something more sinister down the line
Luxembourg's health system meant I went to a private Dr, having made an appointment online for a week ahead.
I pay the Dr's bill, then I send it to Social Security and they reimburse a big chunk of what I paid a couple of months later.
Our health system means I will have 2 check-ups a year now, as I've been flagged "high risk" due to family history.
Thanks for both replies
Unfortunately my mam has had breast cancer in the past, and dad currently has a cancerous brain tumour so I’d imagine that would put me in a high risk category. Maybe worth another trip to the doctors for a checkup and to let them know about the family history, and see if they would do the procedure
Unfortunately my mam has had breast cancer in the past, and dad currently has a cancerous brain tumour so I’d imagine that would put me in a high risk category. Maybe worth another trip to the doctors for a checkup and to let them know about the family history, and see if they would do the procedure
Sound worth a try.
My meeting was not quite as hoped for, the mole that has been irritating me is apparently fine, but they want to remove two other quite large ones. They obviously know what they're doing, but it's a bit frustrating that I'm going to lose the ability to do exercise for a month (I'm a bit addicted) and still have the problem one (which I'll need to keep an eye on). Just wish they'd do it at the same time otherwise I can see me having to go through the same thing again at some point.
Can't grumble though really, they've been very efficient so far.
My meeting was not quite as hoped for, the mole that has been irritating me is apparently fine, but they want to remove two other quite large ones. They obviously know what they're doing, but it's a bit frustrating that I'm going to lose the ability to do exercise for a month (I'm a bit addicted) and still have the problem one (which I'll need to keep an eye on). Just wish they'd do it at the same time otherwise I can see me having to go through the same thing again at some point.
Can't grumble though really, they've been very efficient so far.
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