NICE Head & Neck Cancer - recognition and referral Flashcards
How does laryngeal cancer typically present?
hoarseness & throat pain
How is laryngeal cancer diagnosed?
Laryngoscopy and biopsy
What is the prevalence of oral cancer?
over 6500 new oral cancers are diagnosed each year in UK (2/3rds males)
What are symptoms suggestive of head and neck cancers?
- lip or oral cavity lump
- persistent neck lump
- oral cavity red or red & white patch consistent with erythroplakia or erythroleukoplakia
- ulceration in oral cavity lasting longer than 3 weeks
- thyroid lump
What does an ‘urgent’ referral mean?
to happen/be performed within 2 weeks
What does a ‘very urgent’ referral mean?
to happen within 48 hours
A pt has unexplained ulceration in the oral cavity lasting for more than 3 weeks, what should you do?
suspected cancer pathway referral
A pt has a lump on the lip/on oral cavity lasting for more than 3 weeks, what should you do?
consider an urgent referral for assessment by dentist
When should you send for an urgent suspicious cancer referral?
- persistent head & neck lumps > 3 weeks
- unexplained ulceration or swelling/induration of oral mucosa > 3 weeks
- all unexplained red or mixed red & white patches of oral mucosa > 3 weeks
- persistent hoarseness > 3 weeks
- persistent pain in throat or pain swallowing > 3 weeks
When removing primary cancer tumour, how much do you remove?
whole tumour + 1cm around lesion!
What head and neck cancers may dentists be able to suspect/refer for diagnosis?
- Laryngeal cancer
- Oral cancer
- Thyroid cancer
What is meant by an “immediate” referral?
An acute admission or referral occurring within a few hours, or even more quickly if necessary
What is meant by an “urgent” referral?
to happen/be performed within 2 weeks
What is meant by an “very urgent” referral?
to happen within 48 hours
