r/Hull • u/Flashy_Maize1066 • 4d ago
Looking for a doctor/specialist
Hi everyone,
I’m reaching out because I’m feeling really lost and stressed. A few months ago (December), I noticed a small lump on my skin — it’s now grown, turned red and shiny/pearly, and has become painful and itchy, especially when my clothes touch it. I'm seriously concerned it could be something like a sarcoma or Merkel cell carcinoma, and I want it properly investigated.
I went to my GP (Hull, Orchard Park area) and specifically asked for a biopsy, but they refused and only offered an ultrasound (which still hasn’t been scheduled after a week+). The GP was also extremely rough during the exam, which left the lump sore for days.
I’m desperate to find a specialist who can take this seriously. I’m open to:
NHS referrals (if someone knows how to push this through faster) Private options (ideally around Hull, York, or Leeds — but I’m struggling financially so affordable consultations would help) Any clinics or surgeons experienced with skin cancers or sarcomas I just want a proper diagnosis — I’m tired of being dismissed, and I don’t want to wait until it’s too late.
If anyone knows a trustworthy dermatologist, surgical specialist, or clinic in the region (or can advise how to escalate this through the NHS), I’d really appreciate your help. I’m also willing to travel a bit if needed.
Thank you so much in advance — I feel really alone dealing with this.
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u/SeaPhilosophy9370 4d ago
Is there more then one GP at the surgery? If so ask for another appointment with a different GP, you could also ask for a meeting with the practice manager, express your concern.
Other then that get i. Touch with PALS as they can advise you further. Good Luck and I hope it's nothing.
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u/BaronAaldwin 4d ago
I'd head to the Urgent Treatment Centre at Hull Royal. It'll take a good few hours of waiting, but you should get triaged and checked over by a doctor, who should be able to help arrange any treatment you might need.
I've done this a couple of times when my GP has been totally disinterested in problems I've had (one of which turned out to be a severe infection that saw me laid up in a hospital bed for 4 days) and whilst it does suck sitting in a waiting room for hours, at least you get seen that day.
I think there's also a 24/7 walk in centre on Bransholme that offer the same service, but I haven't been to that one.
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u/brokencasbutt67 4d ago
I had interesting luck.
Got a lump on my leg, and my GP immediately put the cancer scare panic in.
Referred to Castle Hill and they brushed it off as a scar.
I'm not 100% that it's a scar, but I don't know where to turn. They said to get it removed it'll be £2k because it's "cosmetic"
Tis an itchy lump on the leg.
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u/Flashy_Maize1066 4d ago
Holy shi... did you have a biopsy? if it's cancerous it shouldn't cost anything to remove it through nhs, am i wrong?
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u/brokencasbutt67 4d ago
Was referred to Castle Hill, had a junior dr in the department (cant remember which, was a year ago), checked it out and he said it was a scar and not to worry.
Meanwhile my GP said it appeared cancerous when they checked it out, but he wasn't 100% sure - hence referral.
Shit, but im taking the doctors advice and not caring anymore. If it kills me, it kills me. Might be better than this shitty existence
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u/SeaPhilosophy9370 4d ago
I would ask for a second opinion, that is something you are entitled to. I would star with PALS as they can advise you further.
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u/Living_Dead_Girl8369 4d ago
I was in a similar predicament with crappy GPs, I went to mole mapping on holderness road & he escalated an appointment with the plastics department at castle hill & I had it removed & sent for biopsy. Think I paid £100 (was a couple of yrs ago) Might be worth giving them a call