The National Cancer Control Programme has recently published advice on referral pathways for head and neck cancer. The original guidance document is available here and is copied below.

Any of the following features, when present in the mouth for more than three weeks without an obvious cause should get an urgent specialist opinion:

  • mouth ulceration
  • white or red patches
  • pigmented areas
  • lump or hard area
  • numbness or difficulty moving a part of the mouth, lips or face
  • loose teeth of unknown cause
  • non-healing area following the removal of a tooth

Primary Care Head and Neck Cancer Referral Advice