Hi All

How long did you all wait for a biopsy?

I went to the dermatologist back in February with a brown line on my index finger, while I was there she diagnosed a basal cell carcinoma on my face which I've since had removed, infilitrating so I now have a lovely scar.

She was unsure on the nail and arranged for a clinical picture. I went back on Wednesday as I felt like the line had widened, and she wants to do a biopsy as it's doubled in size in that period of time.

Also, did anyone else have any other issues with the affected finger? Other than the line mine looks ok, but is a little sensitive - although I'm not certain it's not just my imagination as I'm worrying over it.

I know having already had a form of skin cancer, I'm now more likely to have another form - but I'm clinging to the hope that it's not as it's so rare.

Hi,

Biopsy waiting time is being affected by the Covid virus. In some hospitals the biopsies are being done quickly (about 2 weeks wait) because their dermatology clinics aren't too busy, but other hospitals are taking much longer because their clinics are affected by staff shortages and they aren't having as many clinics to try and reduce the chance of Covid being caught. All I can suggest is that, if you haven't received an appointment after 2 weeks, give the consultant's secretary a ring & ask if they can give you an idea how long the wait will be. If it's a long wait, tell them you are happy to take a last minute cancellation (if you are available to drop everything) - sometimes it helps getting a quicker surgical slot.

You are right that, having suffered one type of skin cancer you heighten your risk of getting another (either the same type or a different type). However, this doesn't necessarily apply to subungual melanoma because this type is caused, in the main, by genetics rather than UV damage. Those who have had a basal cell (caused by UV) heighten their risk of superficial spreading melanoma (also caused by UV damage) and vice versa. This is all due to sun burn or lack of sun screen in the earlier years. So don't worry that the bcc may have caused the nail problem but do take notice of sun safety in the future as you are certainly more at risk of having another bcc (my dad has had 2 several years apart).

Good luck & I hope you aren't waiting too long for the biopsy,

Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient)

Thanks Angie

Oddly enough, my basal cell carcinoma former under a healing scar caused by hair straighteners - I thought it'd just not healed well and ignored it for a few years. Lesson learned there.

I know my referral will be to the plastic surgeon, so I'm assuming it's not just a punch biopsy. The waiting is the worst bit, but luckily I work from home at the moment so could attend with little to no notice so I'll definitely tell them that.

I have my consultation with the plastic surgeon in 3 weeks - had hoped to be seen sooner as the line is widening at the base of the nail. 

The waiting is the worst bit :( 

Hi

I hope your mum's operation went well and she is making a good recovery. I would be grateful  to hear how she coped afterwards as my toe is being amputated on Sept 11th, also lump node biopsy.

Needless to say i am scared stiff.

Hi

yes mums op went really well thanks. Toe is removed  and she is walking with shoes on. its only taken a month. She got the results on Friday to say that they had managed to remove all the cancer with the toe as caught early enough.

its a really worying time when you don't know whats happening I hope that you get a few answers when go see someone but they usually can't say much until the biopsy results come in. 

Here if you need a chat. Don't read too much as there seems to be lots they can now do thats not on Google. Fingers crossed for you. 

Hi All

Biopsy booked in for next week - not looking forward to it!

Plastic Surgeon thinks its benign, so that's stopped me completely panicking, although until they see it fully and test it I know they can't be certain. 

Louise x

Hi

Hope you get your dermatology appointment soon. The problem I had was no one would believe that my toe nail hadn't received a trauma. Then from a two week referral it was 3 months before my toe was amputated! It took 2 months to even get the Biopsy. So by the time I was told it was definitely cancer I was totally prepared.

It's hard for you waiting but I am sure you will get better treatment than me. Please let us know how you get on. 

Thank you for your reply and I am pleased your mum is doing well. I had my toe amputated 10 days ago, the dressing was removed today and the area has healed ok. I long to get moving again  wearing a soft shoe. I  I also had a Sentinel Lymph Node biopsy which has left me with a swollen lump and a painful groin, the doctor suggested I wear cycling shorts!. I know my toe was magligant but will have an appointment within the next three weeks to discuss the SLNB.