I’m trying to identify a reputable mole check service that operates in South Wales, and I’m not really getting anywhere so thought I’d try here. We’re a moley family, and my mum had malignant melanoma on her back in her 40s when I was about 14. I’m 34 now and have no idea how many moles I have other than to say well in excess of a hundred, as I have 20+ on each forearm alone, and I’ve been single for the last 4 years so no longer have anyone to keep check on the moles on my back. I’ve also had a couple of new moles spring up virtually overnight, and there are a couple of slightly lumpy ones that I’ve had checked by my gp, but I’m still not overly happy about. So, I’m thinking of having one of these private, all-over checks to make sure there are no suspect ones, but I can’t seem to find any services closer to me than Bristol, which is about 2.5 hours by car if the M4 is clear. Can anyone here point me in the direction of a good service in Cardiff/Bridgend/Swansea or how I might be able to track one down? Like a central website or something?
Thanks in advance,
Charlie
6 Replies
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Hello Charlie_G. This is the sort of thing that your local NHS dermatology department could do for you, or you could see a dermatologist privately. Which bit of South Wales do you live in? There are skin cancer specialists working in all four private hospitals in the areas you listed. I'm not aware of any mole check services as such, except for initiatives that are run on the beaches in summer. There is a group called Skin care Cymru which might also be a helpful resource for you.
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Thanks for the reply - although there’s a family history, the NHS are not prepared to ‘screen’ as such (understandably given the pressures on the service!), they’ll only look at any specific ones I’m worried about. My difficulty is I can’t see the ones on my back to know if they’re changing or are suspect, and no one to look for me. I’ll check out skin care Cymru and see if I get any joy or direction. Thanks!
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Hi again. Id suggest you see a local dermatologist privately in that case. There are good skin cancer specialists at St Joe's in Malpas, Spire in Cardiff and Sancta Maria in Swansea who would all check out your skin for you and give you sensible advice.
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In five years I have never had a overall skin check yet I have had four biopsy’s numerous PDT, and November 2017 the last time I saw a medical person I had 47 growths freeze treatment they left 47 huge blisters and no callback yet - Ongoing I use chemo cream for three weeks on different areas and the a healing cream for two weeks.
My GP treated me for dry skin for four years, it was only when I complained of hair loss that I was sent to see the dermatologist who instantly said that is not dry skin it is skin cancer - I nearly fell of my seat
First go on google or patient NHS and check out images of different lesions - then compare it with the one you describe - take pictures to look for changes in the shape
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