Hello, I am on a waiting list to have my squamous cell carcinoma removed from my head. How long should I be expected to wait for the operation please ?
I appreciate waiting any length of time to be treated is very stressful.
Waiting times can vary depending on where you live and how urgent your cancer is.
For most people, the NHS aims to treat cancer within 31 days of a decision to treat, and within 62 days from referral. However, sometimes there can be delays.
According to NHS guidelines, patients requiring surgery for a squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) are typically triaged to be operated on within 4 to 8 weeks of the decision to treat.
This is because it is unusual for SCC’s to spread to other areas of the body.
It is always important to speak to your hospital team or GP for an update on your own case.
If you notice any changes or are worried, let them know as soon as you can.
Please get back to us if you need any more information or support
It might help to talk things through with one of our nurses on the helpline. You can call for free on 0808 800 4040, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
I hope you know more soon about your surgery date.
I have my scc removed just ten days after seeing the consultant and within 3 weeks of talking to my doctor. I'm in Cornwall but being treated at a hospital in Devon. Good luck, sooner it's done the better!
Thanks very much for your reply Tina, I have spoken to the receptionist at my GP surgery and he said that once it had been put on the hospital waiting list it was out of their hands. I have phoned the Dermatology dept. at hospital and left messages twice but no replies. On my waiting list it says Referred on 28 May 2026, Dermatology Pathway, Average wait for treatment is 12 weeks. This is all on my NHS app but it's a bit frustrating when no-one gets back to me
The last two SCC I've had removed had waiting times of 3 months from diagnosis and referral to Plastic Surgery. This is way too long and seems to differ between NHS health trusts. Even going private can take up to 6 weeks. I think you just have to wait for your appointment date. Dermatology departments are very busy and they often will not return a call about appointments if they have no updates. All the best for your upcoming procedure and keep safe in the sun, UV index today 7 between 11:00 and 15:00 sunburn time less than 30 minutes.
