Mole and Cyst Removal

Skin lesions such as a mole or a cyst often cause worry for patients. The procedure to remove them is usually a simple procedure and may be taken because there is a noticeable change in colour or shape or because it is painful or itchy. There are many reasons to have this procedure and often it is purely for cosmetic purposes. 

For benign (non-cancerous) lesions most procedures are under a local anaesthetic and will be performed with a small scalpel. The area around the mole or cyst will be completely numb. On occasions a laser is used to destroy the lesion but in most cases it will be a simple procedure with a scalpel. 

Your consultant will discuss the best procedure with each individual patient. 

Dependant upon the procedure will depend on the length of stay in the hospital the majority of procedures meaning you would be allowed home on the same day. 

The area may be tender for a number of days after the procedure will the area taking up to three weeks to heal. Over the counter painkillers can be used if necessary.

A gastroscopy is a procedure where your consultant will use an endoscope (fibre-optic flexible tube) to look into the area which contains the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum.

This will give the consultant a thorough view of the intended area.

A gastroscopy may be advised if you are suffering from any of the following symptoms:

• Recurring heartburn

• pains in the upper abdomen

• difficulty swallowing

• repeated vomiting

There are certain conditions that can be checked by a gastroscopy and these include:

• inflammation of the stomach

• stomach ulcers

• cancer of the stomach and oesophagus

• inflammation of the oesophagus

A gastroscopy can also be used to obtain tissue samples from the area for further investigation.

The operation takes usually about ten minutes.

Please do discuss any questions you may have with your consultant prior to the procedure.

This procedure will normally be covered by the medical insurance policy but patients are advised to check with the provider prior to any treatment.

If you are paying for your own treatment all costs will be discussed and explained prior to any treatment taking place. This will be confirmed in writing along with any surgeon fees, anaesthetist fees and hospital charges prior to admission.