BCC waiting times

Hi Keegan, I’ve just been referred for biopsy for bcc but I got my diagnosis from a private Consultant Dermatologist as I suspected I had some skin issues so skipped my GP and went straight to a dermatologist. The private consultation cost me £215 and I asked for a full skin check and also had quite a few cryotherapy’s while I was there! He recommended MOHs surgery and said it cost around £5000 (he doesn’t do MOHs himself).I don’t have insurance. So I gave his letter to my GP and am now in the NHS system for biopsy. I’ve also made an appointment to see a MOHs surgeon privately so once I have my biopsy result I can decide whether to wait for an NHS appointment or pay privately. I believe most private hospitals do offer payment plans to help self payers if needed.

Hi. Thank you. I’ve not heard of MOHs I was offered a skin graft or excise.  I think I need to go back to the hospital first to find out where I am on the wait list for the hospitals in the grp

Different specialists give different advice which makes it very difficult to know what to do. I had excision with skin graft on my shin and I have quite a scar, a crater. So I wouldn’t want that same outcome on my face. MOHs doesn’t cut so deep and wide initially, the skin is taken layer by layer and examined under a microscope until no more cancer cells are left. However if a flap graft is needed it looks truly horrendous but a couple of ladies on here have had it and said it eventually heals well. The other option I believe is radiotherapy. However the CD Ibsaw would not recommend it as not guaranteed to get all the cancer cells and I think repeat radiotherapy can destroy surrounding skin. However, no cutting, grafting or scarring. I wish I could find one place with unbiased advice on all 3.

Hi Keegan - My partner has just been diagnosed with BCC on her nose, we received her first consultation appointment today and its for May 2025! I was completely shocked and felt there must have been some mistake. Unfortunately after doing my research (and reading your helpful post) there clearly is no mistake. Its crazy how long the wait is. 

We get married in June 2025 and were hoping to have this sorted by then (I guess for vanity and selfish reasons) but obviously this wont be happening.