Waiting times - Basal Cell

Hi all. Just after some advice on your experience of waiting times. I have suspected Basal Cell on my back and advised that it needs removing. 18 weeks later and I’m still nowhere nearer to having it removed and it’s changed shape. 

Anyone else waited a while?

  • Just to follow on. I’ve spoken to the hospital today and the wait list is up to 12 months. 

  • Hi Finow,

    I'm sorry to hear you've been waiting so long and that the hospital have said the expected wait is as long as it is.

    It does seem a particularly long time - I'm not sure if that hospital is a busier one in terms of waiting lists. If you have concerns about this wait time, or about the changes you've noticed, then it would be good to see your doctor again to discuss this. There is also the option of asking for a second opinion if want to double check anything.

    You can also, if you haven't already, mention to the hospital that you are available for cancellations (if this is the case for you), which could shorten the wait time.

    If you feel you'd like to speak to someone in the meantime, you are welcome to give our nurses a call. You can reach them on 0808 800 4040 - Monday-Friday, 9-5.

    Wishing you all the best,

    Ben
    Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Thanks Ben for coming back to me. I have approached my doctor this week and expressed my concern. I’m just waiting on the consultant re-checking the pictures I sent to get their opinion on the change of shape. 

    i have mentioned about cancellations as I’m not far from the hospital. Hopefully something comes of that. 

    Thanks for your help. 

  • Hi. 

    I did follow this up with my doctor and they chased it up for me. Still no further forward and approaching seven months of waiting. Apparently all hospitals in my area have a similar wait time so I can’t transfer. 

    This surely can’t be normal to wait this long?

  • Hi  I hope you have had your surgery by now.  I am equally worried about delays and was wondering if i could be referred to a place with the shortest waiting list.

  • Hi. I did manage to have my surgery in January 2024 but the waiting time to get to that point was long!

    I know you can pay privately to have it removed but might be worth speaking to you doctor to see if any hospitals in your area have a shorter waiting time. 

    Good luck. I hope it goes well for you.