Throat cancer
GGC - Primary Care
Background:
Persistent unilateral throat pain / pain on swallowing (odynophagia) for >3 weeks is an ENT red flag symptom (Scottish Referral Guidelines for Suspected Cancer). It is the second best predictor for head and neck cancer after neck lumps. Referred otalgia may also occur.
Throat cancer can occur in smokers / alcohol drinkers. However, more recently, HPV-related head and neck cancers are becoming more prevalent. These can present in younger patients with less throat pain and typically present with a neck lump. We suggest age and smoking status are not used to determine whether to refer or not.
Referral Guidance:
Refer patients with persistent throat pain for >3 weeks to ENT as urgent, suspicion of cancer
Refer patients with odynophagia for >3 weeks to ENT as urgent, suspicion of cancer