Confirmed skin cancer :(

[gettingimpatient222]

About this time last year I went to my gp about a patch of skin on my forehead. After repeat consultations and a biopsy and having to repeatedly chase my results it was confirmed as skin cancer. They told me it's the lowest grade one (basal cell something?) and that it is unlikely to spread or worsen but would still need to be removed. This whole process started a year ago and I had the lesion for a few years before and just never thought anything of it. I'm now getting really worried as it itches and seems to be getting bigger. I'm frightened to be out in the sun and just can't settle knowing I'm walking around with this.

Does anyone know how soon a referral should be and if anyone has experienced the same condition how was your experience?

[avocadochocolate]

Basal cell carcinoma?

My DP had it. So did my friend. It's easily treatable by removing it, although my friend had it removed twice and my DP three times. You'll be fine. It won't spread around the rest of your body. It simply needs cutting out.

It is caused by too much sun.

[Babyfoal]

I'd chase the referral right now. I've had basal skin cancer cut out. Took two weeks for the appointment and it was done there and then.

[StitchingMoss]

It’s not a cancer to be worried about as in it doesn’t metastasise so will never cause issues in the way other cancers do.

You do need to get it removed though. Chase the referral.

[StitchingMoss]

Oh and make sure u get a big hat and good sun cream!

[LIZS]

It sounds as if something has gone awry with referral. Ime referrals for bcc are weeks and treated as an outpatient/day surgery. How long ago were you diagnosed? You should take care in sun though, high factor suncream , hat etc.

[gettingimpatient222]

I have chased the referral several times, they just keep saying I'm on the waiting list but there is only one surgeon locally who can do it and he's very busy 🙄

I've never been a sun worshipper but I am due to go on holiday abroad in June and I'm worried about being the sun if I haven't had it removed by then (or even if I have).

I feel a bit reassured that it's not a dangerous one as such but it's still uncomfortable and I feel uneasy about it being there iykwim.

[gettingimpatient222]

I had the biopsy in summer last year. Had to chase results. Found out it was cancerous in about Feb time and had one pre-op assessment since then. The whole process has taken ages and seems very disorganised.

[avocadochocolate]

The NHS is in meltdown, OP. Keep chasing. It's very frustrating. It'll happen in the end.

[StitchingMoss]

I won’t be going in the sun again since my op - it was a proper wake up call

[78percentLindt]

DH has one at the moment. Mentioned that the site of a wart that had been removed by freezing about 15 years previously kept breaking down. GP referred on Monday and was seen that Saturday. Registrar looked at it and said basal cell carcinoma, probably needs a skin graft (on the side of the nose) Since then ( October) it has been slow- biopsy, letter to give diagnosis, OP appointment to discuss diagnosis and refer to a plastic surgeon , plastics OP appointment , now waiting for operation date.
We know it isn't urgent , doesn't spread but can reoccur.

[Mapofthesoul]

Are you prepared to go private? I was on the nhs waiting list for the same thing and was getting worried so I booked a private consultation, turned up and doctor said he had a cancellation and removed it there and then. Worth it for peace of mind.

[AlexaAmbidextra]

It’s not a cancer to be worried about as in it doesn’t metastasise so will never cause issues in the way other cancers do.

Actually that isn’t entirely true. Very rarely it will metastasise. OP needs to chase up the appointment.