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Basal cell

Debs_p270d9f0b
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Hi I had a skin lesion on my leg for 20 plus years. The Dr's kept saying it was nothing and kept giving me steroid cream. Last year they said it was basal cell. They gave me chemo cream the lesion then went. A year later I have a new mark on my leg went back to the Dr's they then referred me for fast track appointment that was a month ago. I have contacted the hospital numerous times to chase up the appointment to be told every time they are short staffed and need to wait for them to contact me. They also said last week I will probably be looking looking at end of october before I have an appointment. Im at my wits end worrying and not sure what I should do. I can see the mark changing with each passing week. Can you please advise thank you in advance 

  • Hello Debs,

    It can be a very stressful time when waiting for a hospital appointment. Unfortunately, cancer waiting time targets are often not met and the wait for a dermatology consultation can be particularly long due to demand. Prioritisation of more urgent skin cancers, such as melanoma, can have a knock-on effect, as non-melanoma type skin cancers, such as basal cell carcinoma  would be considered low risk, as it is slow growing and unlikely to spread to other parts of the body.

    It is worth discussing the skin changes you’ve noticed, since the referral was made, with your GP, as they may decide to contact the Dermatology team to update them if they are concerned. You may want to take photographs regularly, of the area on your leg, which you can compare to observe the extent of any changes, and share with the medical team.

    Some people consider accessing private care for an initial consultation. You may want to discuss this option with your GP and look into the cost of going down this route.

    I hope you find this information helpful. Please do get in touch with us if you have more questions. You can call us free of charge on 0808 808 0000 or you can chat to us or email us. We are here every day from 8am to 8pm.

    Best wishes,

    Gail

    Macmillan Cancer Information Nurse Specialist

    Ref: GH/KHa

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