Guidelines
for urgent referral of patients with suspected head and neck cancer- Hoarseness persisting for > 6 weeks
- Ulceration of oral mucosa persisting for > 3 weeks.
- Oral swellings persisting for > 3 weeks.
- All red or red and white patches of the oral mucosa.
- Dysphagia persisting for 3 weeks.
- Unilateral nasal obstruction particularly when associated with purulent discharge.
- Unexplained tooth mobility not associated with periodontal disease.
- Unresolving neck masses for > 3 weeks.
- Cranial neuropathies.
- Orbital masses.
The level of suspicion is further increased if the patient is a heavy smoker or heavy alcohol drinker and is aged over 45 years and male. Other forms of tobacco use (chewing Betel, Gutkha, Pan) should also arouse suspicion.
