BCC and SCC are very slow growing so a few weeks wait for your appointment will have little adverse effect. They are also, in the main, non invasive so they grow on the skin rather than down into the lower layers of skin. This means, unlike melanoma, they rarely spread internally.

My dad has had 2 BCC on his face. One was surgically removed and the other was treated with a chemo cteam. This was 10 years ago and he's had no problem since. My sister-in-law had one surgically removed from her back 3 years ago and she's had no further problem. It was 4 months in between finding it and it being removed and she's been fine.

Good luck and try not to stress about it.

Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient since 2009)

Thank you for your reply Angie :) 

I can see you have had your own battles yourself so I feel silly for letting something take over my thoughts that's only a possibility for now. I know I should just forget about it until my appointment but I keep finding myself examining the mark every 10 minutes! My partner put a plaster over it to get me to stop upsetting myself but staring at it but this didn't work.  I do suffer with health anxiety but looking at the mark I do genuinely think skin cancer is a possible cause. 

I will try not to worry for now and do some festive things over the weekend. 

Thank you again! Xxx 

Hello and thanks for your post

It can be a worry noticing a change in your body and then being referred to a specialist for more tests.

Being referred to a dermatologist doesn't mean this is definitely cancer but your GP wants a skin specialist to take a look just to make sure nothing more serious is going on. 

At your appointment the dermatologist will take a closer inspection of the area of concern with a dermatoscope (like a magnifying glass) and depending on what they see they may want to take a biopsy (tissue sample) or remove the whole thing. These samples can then be examined under a microscope to determine what this is and if any further treatment is needed.

The dermatologist will explain what does or doesn't need to happen in your case once they have assessed you.

Try and keep yourself busy and active whilst waiting as this can  sometimes help.

People often post here to ask if anyone else has had similar symptoms, but even if they have, it doesn't necessarily shed any light on what might be the matter with you.

I hope that everything turns out to be okay. Give us a ring if you would like to talk things through. The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

Best wishes,

Celene