Hi,

I went to my primary care physician about a growth on my scalp, which he called a hemangioma, and then sent me to another doctor to remove it. This other doctor says that I need to have a "light" general anesthesia applied during the removal process, but to me it seems like a local anesthesia would be less risky and work just as well (I have friends who have had similar removals off of the scalp and only a local was used ... I even asked a friend who is a doc in another state and she said it sounded like overkill and does add more risk for me). So, my main question is should I just go get a second opinion and would it be better to go to a dermatologist? Also, the doc who wants to uses this "light" general stated to me that "there are no more risks involved for a 'light' general than would be for a local" ... is that statement true?


Thanks for any help.

Jim

Well, speaking from experience; I had a hemangioma on my scalp also..but later turned out to be a pyogenic granuloma which is a group of blood vessels. I had to go to the hospital because it being a vascular lesion, it would be a much more easier surgery than in-office. I had a light anesthesia where the doc said I'd be aware but wouldn't feel any pain. I don't recall a thing, felt like I slept through the whole thing; and could only hear the whole time and felt absolutely fabulous when I woke up.

I also had some moles removed in office two weeks ago with a local. OUCH! The shot hurt the worst more than the actual removal and I'm getting stitches out tomorrow.

I've had many surgeries over the years; and, yes, there are some risks involved, but it's highly unlikely anything happening if your doctor knows your full medical history beforehand.

Do what you think is best, but I'm glad I had mine done in the ambulatory center with a light general anesthesia.