Oral Cancer – Rapid Referral

The Pathway of Care shows how a patient with a (District General Hospital) and seen within 2 weeks (in the UK).

If the lesion is thought to be suspicious, then investigations, imaging ± biopsy are carried out.

The biopsy results are ‘fast-tracked’ and the patient would be seen with the histological results of the biopsy, investigations & imaging results at the MDT (Multi-Disciplinary Team) meeting (held in my area, down at Maidstone Hospital, Kent).

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The suspicious features that the GDP should be aware of are listed here (high-lighted in yellow); these are in a box on the Rapid Referral Form.

The Pathway of Care shows how a patient with a (District General Hospital) and seen within 2 weeks (in the UK). If the lesion is thought to be suspicious, then investigations, imaging ± biopsy are carried out. The biopsy results are ‘fast-tracked’ and the patient would be seen with the histological results of the biopsy, investigations & imaging results at the MDT (Multi-Disciplinary Team) meeting (held in my area, down at Maidstone Hospital, Kent). The suspicious features that the GDP should be aware of are listed here (high-lighted in yellow); these are in a box on the Rapid Referral Form.

These are the referral forms for suspected neoplastic / mitotic lesions – these are filled out & sent electronically

When consulting with your patient it is important that you record clinical status, signs, symptoms, referral process & what information & advice you gave the patient both verbally & in writing.

Records should be kept In-line with authoritative and professional guidance.

A “best practice” Head & Neck referral

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Information given to a patient should cover:

What an urgent ‘Two Week’ referral is
Why the patient is being referred to a 2nd care cancer service
The percentage of urgent ‘Two Week’ referrals that are cancerous
Which 2nd care cancer service the patient is being referred to
How they will receive their appointment
The importance of attendance
Whether the patient can take someone with them
What type of tests / investigations that might be carried out & how long it will take to get results & a diagnosis
How to obtain further help & information about the type of oral cancer suspected