I have a BCC on my face. I’ve had a simple excision as they thought it was straight forward but the test results weren’t what they expected. It’s a T3 with infiltrative parts, & margins are involved in one part & close going deep. I’ve been referred for Mohs but have been told there’s a 6 month waiting list & that it’s fine to wait that long. I’m panicking! It seems too long - I’m only 37 & first noticed it a year ago. Any help/advice would be appreciated as I’m finding this whole situation difficult.
Hi Hannah
It must have been very disappointing to find that the excision you had for a BCC has not removed all of it and you now need Mohs' micrographic surgery.
If you look at the link I've created to BAD's (British Association of Dermatologists) leaflet on Mohs you will see that the advantages of having this type of surgery over a simple excision is that a minimum of healthy skin is removed around the skin cancer, which keeps the wound as small as possible, and the dermatological surgeon can be almost certain that the skin cancer is fully removed on the day of the procedure.
However, because there are fewer dermatological surgeons who are specially trained in Mohs’ micrographic surgery available, as they have to have an additional 1-2 years training over that required to become a consultant dermatologist, the waiting lists as you've found can be long.
Although 6 months seems like a long time your consultant would not suggest this form of surgery if they felt that leaving your BCC this long would cause you a problem. Most BCCs are slow growing and rarely spread to other parts of the body. Therefore, although it is a type of skin cancer it is almost never a danger to life.
I'm currently waiting to have a BCC on my chest removed along with a suspicious mole on my back and, having had a melanoma removed nearly 5 years ago, I know how difficult it can be waiting for surgery. My best advice would be to find something to take your mind away from spending too much time worrying. I know it's not possible to not worry at all but I find that doing something I enjoy is a great way to avoid thinking about my previous melanoma diagnosis and my upcoming surgery.
Lots of people find mindfulness really helpful and if this is something that interests you take a look at the suggested apps on the NHS website, some of which are free to download.
Do let us know when you have an appointment date for your surgery.
x
"Never regret a day in your life, good days give you happiness, bad days give you experience"
Yes I can imagine that working in oncology wouldn't help take your mind off your BCC diagnosis 
However, the positive side is that you'll be very well aware that BCCs hardly ever spread and are rarely a danger to life. Like you said though it can be hard to stop your mind running away with thoughts of 'what if'.
Let us know when you have a date for your surgery
x
"Never regret a day in your life, good days give you happiness, bad days give you experience"
