I've just joined the forum. My father has been diagnosed with a skin cancer and the hospital say the wait list is 12-18 months. I'm looking for private treatment. the first private place I contacted said they could treat within 6 months. Good luck with your search for treatment. If I find somewhere will less of a wait list, I'll let you know.

Hi Diabilo,

I know how anxious waiting under these circumstances can be. I'm assuming you have been referred to dermatology by your GP under the 2 week pathway but haven't yet received an appointment for a dermatologist's assessment? If this is the case you don't know yet that you have melanoma and no one will remove it without the dermatologist's initial examination. Yes, the NHS is behind with their waiting list but you should be getting an appointment through in the next week or two. I suggest you contact Dermatology at your local hospital & ask them how long 2 week referrals are taking & tell them you are happy to take a last minute cancellation if one becomes available. You can also ask your GP if he could refer you to another hospital in the hope they have a shorter waiting list. Otherwise, a private dermatology consultation is your only other option - they are slightly shorter wait times but still not as quick as you hope for.

Good luck & I hope you get seen quickly,

Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient since 2009)

Thank you for the replies. I feel silly now as through photo examination they say it's a thrombosed angioma, with no further action. It did look identical to a mm at the start, black and raised and I was convinced. The wait really is torture. Im sorry for anyone going through this. Good luck with your journey Angie x

Diane

I'm glad it was found to be something benign. x