New NICE referral guidance for oral cancer: does it risk delay in diagnosis?. Issue 4 (May 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Grimes, D.; Patel, J.; Avery, C.
• Is Part Of: British journal of oral and maxillofacial surgery. Volume 55:Issue 4(2017)
• Page Start: 404
• Page End: 406
• Publication Date: 2017-05
• Subjects: Two week wait -- head and neck cancer -- NICE guidance; Mouth -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Maxilla -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Face -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Surgery, Plastic -- Periodicals; Dentistry, Operative -- Periodicals; Face -- surgery -- Periodicals; Mouth -- surgery -- Periodicals; Maxilla -- surgery -- Periodicals; Surgery, Oral -- Periodicals; Oral Surgical Procedures -- Periodicals; Dentistry, Operative -- Periodicals; Bouche -- Chirurgie -- Périodiques; Maxillaire supérieur -- Chirurgie -- Périodiques; Face -- Chirurgie -- Périodiques; Chirurgie dentaire -- Périodiques; Dentistry, Operative; Face -- Surgery; Maxilla -- Surgery; Mouth -- Surgery; Surgery, Plastic; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 617.52059
• DOI: 10.1016/j.bjoms.2016.09.022
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0266-4356

Abstract

Abstract: Changes to guidance about the two-week wait referrals for suspected cancer of the head and neck have created a new recommendation for a general medical practitioner to refer any patients to a dentist under certain criteria. The potential effect of this was assessed based on 91 referrals to an oral and maxillofacial unit. A total of 33 met the criteria for initial referral to a dentist; of these, one was later diagnosed with cancer. We outline the potential deleterious effects the new guidance might have on the rapid diagnosis of oral lesions.