Waiting time for bcc surgery.

Had a 2mm bcc on edge of nose/cheek diagnosed by a GP dermatologist yesterday. It's been there for several months. GP is making referral to hospital for surgical removal but says it's non urgent so will take 3or4 months before am seen. I looked at my local hospital's dermatology page which says they see patients within 2 weeks of referral / diagnosis for skin cancers. Am confused and anxious about the possible lengthy wait time.

  • Hi Manta,  I went to doctor for a mole/lump on my back.  The doctor said it is skin cancer but non urgent.  He referred me to dermatology and it took nearly 11 months for them to remove the growth.  I also got really stressed but because it was non urgent I just had to wait.  I am hoping that you are seen quickly and have it dealt with promptly.  Good luck.

  • Hi manta

    There is a huge backlog in dermatology in NHS. If it helps calm your anxiety I had a bcc on the side of my nose for 15 years without any change in size I just assumed it was a wart. So even if you have to wait several months it is unlikely to affect the outcome. Meanwhile, and I cannot stress this too much. Protect your skin from the sun with clothing hats and suncream. Avoid midday sun between 11.00 am and 3.00pm if possible Never use tanning salons. Or you are likely to have more BCCs or SCCs in future.

    Ed

  • Thanks leelaloo, I hope you had good care and a positive outcome.

  • Thanks Ed, that is reassuring. Immense pressure on NHS is terribly saddening.

    Am taking all measures to keep covered up!

  • Hello Manta

    like you I saw my Gp in February and was told it was a BCC on my face near my nose on my cheek. He told me that I was not to worry as it may take around 3 months to be referred. As 3 months passed I went back to my GP very anxious having heard nothing, so he rang dermatology dept and was told I am on a 2 years waiting list. I’m so stressed with this news as I have just lost my husband to lung cancer and am still grieving his loss.

    I wear factor 50 on my face now all the time but the anxiety and the wait is over bearing.