Skin cancer - diagnosed with Basal Cell Carcinoma a year ago, still waiting for it to be removed

I was diagnosed nearly a year ago with Basal cell carcinoma. Still awaiting for an appointment for to get bcc removed from my face. I am anxious that it's taking so long for this appointment. 

  • Hello ScaleyBackWifeofVeteran, 

    Poor you, that is a long time to have had to wait for this appointment and I can understand why waiting so long is making you feel a bit anxious. It might be worth giving your doctor or hospital a call to chase the referral and asking how much longer they think you might need to wait. I am not sure what the waiting times are for this in your area, but it's definitely worth checking and getting in touch with them. 

    I hope that you will also hear from other members of our forum who have had a BCC diagnosis before and that they will be pop by and share with you how long it took them to be seen and have it removed. I had a little look around the forum for you and found for example  's BCC thread as well as  's reply there - don't hesitate to respond if you want to share your story and hear their own insights into your situation. It helps sometimes to talk to others who have been through a similar diagnosis process and who may have been through treatment and BCC removal. 

    I hope that you won't have to wait too long now and that it can be all sorted once and for all soon! 

    Best wishes, 

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Hi,

    I second Moderator Lucie in saying start chasing your Doctor first and also the Hospital where you were given your diagnosis.

    It's your face and you have every right to insist on an answer as to when they expect your treatment to commence.

    I was diagnosed in Somerset and on the NHS was told the wait would be at least 6 months. Probably longer! 

    We are very fortunate to have Private Medical Insurance but even with that I am having to wait as my chosen plastic surgeon is in such demand.  I am scheduled to have removal of my BCC which is on my nose with a skin graft taken from in front of my ear in about 4/5 weeks time. 

    I feel it is important that a plastic surgeon deals with a BCC on one's face and not just a general ENT surgeon. Hopefully a better outcome will found with a surgeon who specialises in facial surgery. 

    I am 78 and still wish to present an acceptable face to the world, which I didn't feel the NHS doctor fully took on board. With age I have found it easier to be assertive regarding my wishes but I appreciate that this is not so easy for everyone. 

    Please don't hesitate to ask me if you need to know anything more. 

    I hope you make progress soon and wish you strength to deal with whatever lies ahead.

    Xx