Moh's surgery on the NHS - what are the options?

Hi and a very warm welcome to the online community

I'm sorry to read that you've recently been diagnosed with a basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and that you've been told that the Mohs' micrographic surgery that you'd like to have isn't available at the hospital you attend.

I had a BCC removed from my chest in the summer by surgical excision so don't have any direct experience with Mohs'. 

In the area of the country I live in I can select which hospital I want to be referred to but I don't know what would happen if, after referral, I wanted to have my treatment at a different hospital. I don't know if you have a 'right' to choose a hospital where you know Mohs' is offered but your GP should be able to help you with that question.

Do come back and let us know how you get on as it would be interesting to know for the future.

x

Rich I had Mohs surgery 2 years ago at a specialist hospital, Queen Victoria in East Grinstead. That's 20 miles away from where I live and serves Sussex and Surrey. My understanding is that we can request to be seen at an alternative hospital. If I was in your shoes I'd research where I could receive Mohs surgery, London? Ring the secretary of the consultant who performs Mohs at this hospital and ask if they would see you. If the answer is yes ask your GP for a referral. 

Just to update everyone. I'm opting for Moh's at a private clinic (cost likely to be £4k or thereabouts) as NHS waiting list for Moh's could be up to 2 years. My BCC is small at the moment but could be 2-3 times the current size if I wait that long. Standard surgery could be done sooner (3-6 months) but would mean taking wide margins on my nose (4-6mm) which would mean extensive reconstructive surgery, less chance of success and higher likelihood of scarring.

I've got an interest-free loan to pay for it so I'll worry about paying it back later.

I'm glad that you've made your decision because you can relax a bit now knowing what type of surgery you'll be having. Will you be having the surgery this side of Christmas?

Looking to have it done in January. I was told I could get in just before Christmas but I'm supposed to be spending it with my family (who I haven't seen for nearly two years). It'll delay it about a month but was told this won't make any real difference as it's BCC and it's slow growing (about 1mm every 3 months)

That sounds like a good plan 

Let us know how you get on x

Well the surgery is booked in for tomorrow morning. Travelling to London tonight to stay in a hotel a short distance from the clinic that's doing the work. Hopefully everything will go okay!

All the best

x

Rich I wish you all the very best. You'll be pleased to have it over and done with. Xxxx

I had a BCC on my nostril and initially I was told to have it removed and have a skin graft from my neck. I looked into Mohs surgery and 2 plastic surgeons later I was referred to a Mohs specialist - I promise you they do exist! I am so glad i dug my heels in beause being told all the cancer has been removed with minimal scarring and not having to lose the tip of my nostril really has meant so much to me. Mohs is a longer process but it is well worth it. If you cant have it done at your hospital get a referral to a hospital that does it - you will not be disappointed. If your skin cancer is anywhere on the face and it can be treated by Mohs surgery then it should be the first thing that's offered to you. Good luck but it's worth asking for a referral.