Basal Cell Carcinoma Nose Bridge-APPALLING NHS treatment.

Hi good people.

Long story short, I was referred by my GP to hospital for a photo of a 0.3mm x 0.3mm lesion on the bridge of my nose in July 2023.

I had a photo taken in a Clinic 3 weeks later (was supposed to be no more than 2 weeks according to NICE buy hey ho) but then Health Harmonie forgot about me for 5 months until I called as it was getting bigger.

After complaining, chasing, getting the Ombudsman and MP, all who were totally useless involved, I had a Biopsy but they kept me waiting for 8 weeks for the results. I finally saw a Dermatologist, again after going ballistic at them on the phone as they wanted to offer me an apt 6 week's away, she confirmed that I have a 7mm x 7mm BCC and now am awaiting an apt at the end of March to see a Plastic Surgeon. This will be to excise it or refer me to hospital for MOHS Surgery. 

The thing is this thing is getting bigger and I do not want a simple excision and then have to go through it all again if the results come back that they didn't get all of the Tumour, MOHS is much more reliable.

Can someone please advise for this size of BCC on the nose bridge, as there is hardly any flesh there to patch it up.

Should I push for MOHS or let him remove it if he says he can at the end of March.

I have ZERO faith in the hospital or the NHS to manage this or their Medics, so I'm doing it all myself.

All as the Dermatologist said was to wear Factor 50, how much was she paid for that bit of enlightenment.

Of course if I had £5k spare I could have MOHS next week, but I'm a poor NHS Mental Health Crisis Charge Nurse, so no chance.

Skin Cancer treatment is absolutely SHGOCKING in the miserable UK.

Thanks so much,

Dave.

  • Hello bccsufferer and thanks for your post,

    I am sorry to hear about your situation. I can imagine this must be so frustrating for you.

    I am not sure whether you have talked to Pals and asked them to look in to this for you.

    The other thing you could do is talk your concerns through with your GP and see if there is anyway that they can push your case forward for you.

    From what I have read there is a shortage of dermatologists in the country which does not make your situation any easier. You could also ring and speak to the British Skin foundation and ask their advice about your situation.

    I am not sure if there is an option to go and seek a private opinion. We have some information on our website about private care

    I really hope that you hear something from the clinic soon.

    If you would like to chat any of this through with one of the helpline nurses then you are welcome to give us a call.

    The number to ring is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm.

    All the best,

    Catherine