Topics in Oral Medicine

NHS Referral Criteria for 2 Week Wait

From the DentTest dentistry textbook, with 36 practice questions. Last updated 6 August 2026.

Laryngeal cancer

Consider a suspected cancer pathway (2 week wait) referral for laryngeal cancer in people aged 45 and over with:

  • persistent and unexplained hoarseness, or

  • an unexplained lump in the neck.

Oral cancer

Consider a suspected cancer pathway (2 week wait) referral for oral cancer in people with either:

  • unexplained ulceration in the oral cavity lasting for more than 3 weeks, or

  • a persistent and unexplained lump in the neck.

Consider an urgent referral, within 2 weeks, for assessment for possible oral cancer by a dentist in people who have either:

  • a lump on the lip or in the oral cavity, or

  • a red or red and white patch in the oral cavity consistent with erythroplakia or erythroleukoplakia.

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