Reviewed on : 23 Nov 2018

Reviewed by : GP Gateway Editor

Expires : 23 Nov 2020

TWO WEEK REFERRAL SERVICES – HEAD AND NECK

Larynx aged 45 years and over with:

• Persistent, unexplained hoarseness > 3 weeks       
• Unexplained, persistent sore throat > 3 weeks

Oral / oropharyngeal:

• Unexplained ulceration in the oral cavity lasting for more than 3 weeks  
• Assessed by a dentist/doctor as having a lump on the lip/oral cavity consistent with oral cancer   
• Assessed by a dentist/doctor as having a red or red/ white patch in the oral cavity consistent with Erythroplakia or  erythroleukoplakia
• A persistent, unexplained lump in the neck  > 3 weeks

Thyroid:

Unexplained thyroid lump

Salivary gland:

Persistent swelling in parotid / submandibular gland > 3 weeks

NOTE: The level of suspicion is further increased if the patient is a heavy smoker or heavy alcohol drinker or both. Other forms of tobacco use (chewing Betel, Gutkha, Pan) should also arouse suspicion.

Pre-investigations required of G.P: Nil.

Consider handing the patient a Cancer Research UK Information Sheet – follow link

Two Week Wait referrals should now be processed through the NHS eReferral Service (previously known as Choose & Book)