-
Abnormal blood count
If reported as requiring urgent further investigation.
-
Petechiae/Purpura
These findings are always an indication for urgent investigation.
-
Fatigue
in a previously healthy child when combined with either of the following
-
generalised lymphadenopathy
-
hepatosplenomegaly
-
Bone Pain
especially if it is:
-
diffuse or involves the back
-
persistently localised at any site
-
requiring analgesia
-
limiting activity
-
Lymphadenopathy
is more frequently benign in younger children but referral is advised if one
or more of the following characteristics are present, particularly if there
is no evidence of previous local infection
-
non tender, firm/hard and > 3 cms
in maximum diameter
-
progressively enlarging
-
associated with other signs of
general ill health, fever and/or weight loss
-
involves axillary nodes (in the
absence of any local infection or
dermatitis) or supraclavicular nodes
-
seen as a mediastinal or hilar
mass on chest x-ray
-
Headache
of recent origin with one or more of the following features:
-
increasing in severity or
frequency
-
noted to be worse in the mornings
or causing early wakening
-
associated with vomiting
-
associated with neurological signs
(e.g. squint, ataxia)
-
associated with behavioural change
or deterioration in school performance.
-
Soft Tissue Mass
any mass which occurs in an unusual location should be
considered suspicious particularly if associated with
one or more of the following characteristics:
-
shows rapid or progressive growth
-
size > 3 cms in maximum diameter
-
fixed or deep to fascia
- associated with regional lymph node
enlargement
Source:
Department of Health urgent referral guidelines
Guidelines
for urgent referral of child patients with suspected cancer