Everyday surgical problems, treated properly
Abscesses, ingrown toenails, swollen glands and neck lumps are among the commonest reasons people see a surgeon — and among the most commonly left too long.
Most have straightforward explanations and straightforward treatments. The important part is establishing which is which.
If it has persisted beyond three to four weeks, is growing, is hard or fixed rather than soft and movable, or appeared without any infection to explain it. Add to that anything painful and worsening over days — an abscess, for instance, rarely settles on its own once pus has collected. Most lumps and swellings turn out to be benign, but persistence without an explanation is what warrants assessment.
What We Treat
Common problems treated as day-care procedures wherever possible.
A painful, hot, swollen lump that grows over days. Antibiotics alone cannot clear a walled-off collection of pus — drainage is the treatment, and it relieves the pain quickly.
Abscess treatmentThe nail edge growing into the surrounding skin, causing pain and often infection. Recurrent cases are settled by a short procedure under local anaesthesia.
Ingrown toenail treatmentNodes swell normally with infection and settle as it clears. Nodes that persist beyond a few weeks, grow, or appear without explanation need evaluating.
Lymph node evaluationA lump in the neck may be a lymph node, a thyroid swelling, a cyst or a salivary gland problem. They feel similar — telling them apart is what evaluation is for.
Neck lump evaluationWhen to Get Checked
Any of these is reason to book a consultation.
Some presentations need same-day care rather than a scheduled appointment. Infection spreading beyond a local area is the main concern.
Our Approach
Treatment follows the diagnosis rather than the other way round.
Assessment of the lump or swelling, how long it has been present and how it behaves.
An ultrasound establishes which structure a lump arises from, quickly and painlessly.
Drainage, excision or a minor procedure where needed — or simply explanation and review where that is appropriate.
Your Surgeon
Consultant general, laparoscopic and laser surgeon with over 15 years of experience across a wide range of surgical conditions.
These are everyday problems, but the judgement about which need treating and which need investigating is what matters.
Why Patients Choose Lapser
Extensive experience across general, laparoscopic and laser surgical procedures.
Examination and, where needed, imaging come before any talk of treatment.
Not everything needs an operation, and you will be told so plainly.
Recommendations based on your findings and circumstances.
Most procedures allow patients to go home the same day.
Consultations every day including evenings.
Book an appointment if you have any of the following.
Early evaluation identifies the most appropriate treatment and often provides reassurance.
Frequently Asked
If it persists beyond three to four weeks, is growing, is hard or fixed, or appeared without an infection to explain it.
Rarely. Once pus has collected and walled itself off, antibiotics cannot penetrate it. Drainage is usually required.
Most are. Abscess drainage, ingrown toenail procedures and minor excisions are usually performed under local anaesthesia with same-day discharge.
Recurrence usually points to an underlying cause such as a cyst, a fistula or a skin condition, which needs investigating once the infection has settled.
Usually not. Most reflect a normal response to infection. Persistent or unexplained enlargement is what needs evaluating.
Medically necessary procedures are commonly covered, subject to your policy terms.
If you have a painful swelling, a lump that has not settled or a toenail that keeps troubling you, an assessment will establish what it is and what it needs.
The information on this page is for general awareness and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Lumps, swellings and infections can only be characterised through clinical examination and, where appropriate, imaging or histopathology. Spreading infection, high fever or rapidly worsening symptoms require urgent medical attention.
