Hi,

I'm sorry you and your mum have this worry. Did the GP suggest what type of skin cancer it may be? I'm assuming they think it's a basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma if the NHS and private consultant wait is that long. If it was a possible melanoma they should be referred under the 2 week referral route which, even though some are taking 3 or 4 weeks, are much quicker. 

I think the November private appointment will be the quickest you can access if it's a non melanoma referral. Even before Covid these type of referrals were taking between 6 and 10 weeks on the NHS (a relative waited 6 weeks in 2018 for the referral appointment and then another 8 weeks for her BCC removal).

If it is a non melanoma skin cancer it's not as fast spreading and isn't invasive (if a BCC) - a SCC can become invasive but only if left for a number of years. They both spread across the top of the skin and look very unsightly but aren't as dangerous as melanoma so that is why they aren't dealt with as quickly. If, of course, the GP thinks it's melanoma, then I would go back to the GP and ask to be referred to another hospital with a shorter waiting list as 3 or 4 months is not acceptable (if it is a possible melanoma, is your mum in N. Ireland as they are having very long delays due to a number of problems?) 

Good luck and please let us know how your mum gets on,

Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient since 2009)