Is this normal waiting time?

It does seem a long delay but I think a lot of treatments are on hold or delayed due to Covid.

It is the COVID effect. At least 100,000 patients have had teatment and tests delayed because of the demands COVID has placed on medical services everywhere. DD came close to death as a result of the delays. Thankfully, she got treatment in the nick of time.

Thats a lot of delays. I'm glad your daughter is all right Monica.

I had an outpatient appointment within one month. (Not the same problem.)

There are skin cancers and skin cancers. If it was a BCC then quite often there is a wait of several months. It can spread, but it is not sinister and a delay doesn't put the patient at risk.

Thanks Ellianne. It was a BCC.

I've just checked mine out for you nadateturbe and I waited from June - December in non covid times, 7 years ago at a London hospital.
I was told BCCs on the face cannot be removed by junior members of the team, only by consultants or pretty expert surgeons. Maybe that is why there is a delay.

My husband was referred late last year by our GP as I had spotted a dodgy mole on his back.
I had taken photographs.
At the out patients clinic the consultant asked to see the photos which were by this time 3 weeks old, he examined the mole and immediately took my husband to theatre.
He had a second operation 3/4 weeks later.
All OK now. ?

Thanks for the information Ellianne. Much appreciated. So the waiting time was pretty normal. Good to know.

I had a non-sinister cancer on my nose and had it removed on the NHS in under 10 weeks. This was last year though! I have been left with an inch long scar.

Sorry it is a bit off topic but years ago my Aunt had a cancerous lump removed from her nose. She went on and on about it as if it was the most awful thing to happen to anyone ever.

About a month after her op, I happened to run into her in the High Street and without stopping to consider my words, blurted out "Is your nose still bothering you?" She was not amused

Oh dear Granny23. I can picture your aunt's face!

Husband was told day before lockdown in March that his bowel cancer had metastasised to his lungs and possibly also in his liver which means Stage 4. He is still waiting to have treatment! He hasn’t seen a face to face doctor since this time last year. Oncologist ringing tomorrow with latest scan result. He has no symptoms thankfully.

I am so very sorry to hear that Oldbat1. I hope you manage to have a helpful talk with the oncologist tomorrow.

A BCC spreads, but along the surface of the skin, not into the dermal layers. It is nothing to worry about & can wait. I used to be a med sec with 5 consultant dermatologists.

I was diagnosed with skin cancer last year. Saw the consultant within 2 weeks.

Depends on type.
Malignant melanoma has to be seen within 2 weeks of GP referral. HSC205 pathway. Stands for Highly suspicious of cancer.
Next down is a squamous cell carcinoma.
Lowest is basal cell carcinoma (BCC)

Urmstongran thank you for this information.

Glad to be of help Patsy70.

It's not the same type of cancer.
I went for a mammogram on 13th November after a biopsy I was told I have breast cancer on 7th December.
I'm having a lumpectomy next Tuesday 29th December.
I cannot believe that in some areas of the country are making people wait or go private.

Thanks Urmstongran.
Hope all goes well Nanawind.

And for those who can't pay?

My sil has skin cancer on her face, she had a positive biopsy result two weeks ago and is having her op today. We’re in Yorkshire .

I have had 2 BCCs removed myself, one at the side of my nose with a skin graft, and one on my forehead a few years later. Although they do spread, it is very slow, and there is very rarely any serious consequence. They are a form of skin cancer but they are the least worrisome, except for cosmetic reasons. A wait of several months is normal and you shouldn't be too concerned. They are not really urgent, unless perhaps they are on the eyelid very close to the eye or something. Some people have these for years and years before even seeking treatment. Please don't worry!