Confused

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Hi I am new here and after seeing some posts I feel I should not be here as my story is seemingly not serious.

My gp sent an urgent referral regarding a nodule that was a mole on my face near eye, and after checking he said it was a Basal cell carcinoma. The referral was urgent due to the time I have had it and where it is situated. I actually went to see gp for another reason and just mentioned the nodule whilst I was there.

I know a BCC is not usually urgent but when certain things are in place it is then treated as urgent referral.

My concern is I have not been seen within the 2 week time scale and have no idea how long I will wait, it has now been 7 weeks.

According to information I have found there is no time scale for urgent referrals just out patient appoints approximately 40wks for dermatology and no point in going back to my gp as they can do nothing once they have referred you.

My question is how have others found the time wait for urgent referrals?

I know. BCC is rarely a cancer that can metastasize but it can spread and grow into bone and be more difficult to remove (depending where lesion is) and disfiguring. As mine is near my eye socket and on bone it does cause me some concern and I have had it for several years, therefore the urgent referrals.

Gillian G - Macmillan 5 days ago

Dear Lottie 48

Welcome to our online community and thanks for posting your question. My name is Gillian and I am one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on the Macmillan Support Line.

I’m glad you’ve reached out we can understand you must be feeling worried. These are natural emotions when waiting for tests and investigations. Many people find the uncertainty and waiting to be the most difficult part.

I'm really sorry to hear about the delay you're experiencing. It's understandable to feel concerned, especially given the location and duration of the lesion.

In the UK, an urgent referral for suspected cancer, including Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC), typically means you should ideally be seen by a specialist within 28 days. However, waiting times can vary due to several factors, including the demand for dermatology services and the availability of specialists.

We know that many patients are experiencing delays beyond the NHS England Faster Diagnosis Standard (FDS) targets. It is important to keep in touch with the hospital or clinic where you were referred to, as they can provide updates on your appointment status.

Even though your GP has already referred you, updating them on the delay and any changes in your condition might prompt them to follow up on your behalf.

It is important to keep monitoring the lesion and report any changes or worsening symptoms to your GP.

I hope this is helpful. Please don’t hesitate to get back in touch with us if you have any further questions.

Best wishes,

Gillian, Cancer Information Nurse Specialist

You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email.

Ref:VG /GG

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