Referal to Hospital.

[Scorpius]

My skin cancer has reappeared after 2yrs, I requested a referal to the Dermatology dept. at the Hospital, to which he replied that he can prescribe any medication that they can offer he subsequently prescribed "Solaraze" but my research suggests this is not to be used if the skin is broken, which it is, and is used for cases of sunburn.

I am sum what concerned regarding the report in the Press that reported that G.P.'s were to paid large bonuses if they limit their Hospital referrals. Your thoughts please.

[helixhelix]

I'm not sure that that change to the way that GP's work has yet come in - I thought it was still at the proposal stage?

But I hope you are querying the prescription and asking again for a referral - how has your GP been able to confirm that it's the skin cancer returned without hospital testing?

[Hidden]

I agree with Helix. It seems wrong that a GP, a doctor of general medicine, should try to diagnose and treat skin cancer. I've had to push hard several times for referrals - and by pestering I've eventually got my way - but this was not for suspected skin cancer. Has your GP taken biopsies?

[Scorpius in reply to Hidden]

Hi Twitchytoes, No he did not take a biopsy, when I saw the Consultant for haematology I told him about the situation he said that he would refer me to dermatology, after 5 weeks and no appointment I telephoned the secretary (dermatology) and understand a letter has been sent to my G.P. requesting a referal, I telephoned the G.P. practice and was told the G.P. would not refer me unless I came to see him again, I saw him yesterday when again his view was that he could treat me, I said that I would like to be referred to the Hospital, he eventually agreed, but I have been waiting many weeks, their is a reason for him not wanting to refer me but I don't know what it is?. I will wait for an appointment.

P.S. I purchased a "memory stick voice recorder" when I played this back for my wife to hear she couldn't believe the conversation.

[Hidden in reply to Scorpius]

I just don't understand this. I know skin cancer comes in different forms and different degrees of severity/ urgency but surely you still need comprehensive testing ASAP - he's telling you you have a form of cancer after all not a bit of eczema?!

I don't know enough about the system where you live but I think if it were me I'd be tempted to walk into A&E and explain or, if you can afford it, see a dermatologist privately. Or change GPs ASAP. I wouldn't hang about trying to get this sorted out yourself via the practice because you need answers as soon as possible. Hopefully the answers will be equally dismissive but you need a dermatologist to clarify. Also you presumably have RA which complicates things further as skin problems could possibly be something else such as a type of Vasculitis. Good idea about the memory stick voice recorder - make sure you keep the recording!

[Scorpius in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for your thoughts, I am certain it is skin cancer because some 2/3 years ago I had something very similar and the dermatology department surgically removed 2 lesions, regarding changing G.P. because we live in a very rural community the chances of finding a G.P. that is any better is very risky, A/E have referred me to my G.P.

[alioli58 in reply to Scorpius]

Your GP wants reporting to the GMC immediately!

You do not mess about with any possible cancer. Correct diagnosis is paramount.

Sueing GP isn't what it's all about. Staying alive with a quality of life is!

Report GP now.

[Hidden]

I can't advise you, but I am sending you gentle hugs and healing thoughts.

[benjijen]

I agree with the first 2 comments. How can he know it's the skin cancer if he hasn't referred you for tests.

[earthwitch]

I think the GP is right - if they believe it is solar keratosis (actinic keratosis), which is probably the most common and least serious forms of skin cancer lesions, then the first line treatment would be solaraze. See my answer to your other post for the reasons for this (and no, it isn't for sunburn, its used to treat the long term damage that is often the result of repeated or prolonged sun exposure or sunburn on sensitive skin).

It would only be if the area ulcerated badly, or the solaraze hadn't worked after using it for a reasonable course of daily treatment, or if it appeared to develop into a slightly more serious type of skin lesion (like basal cell carcinomas) that the GP should need to consider referring you to a skin specialist. Actinic keratosis are cancerous types of lesions, but they aren't particularly serious ones and should clear up fairly quickly with the solaraze. I know mine did.

[Scorpius in reply to earthwitch]

I thank you for your advice, I had an appointment with my G.P. 2 days ago, one of the sites has become infected and he has put me on "antibiotics" and referred me to hospital dermatology, thanks.

[alioli58]

Thank goodness for that!

Hope you are soon sorted out.

Hugs xxx. 😜 😃 😉