Persistent Unilateral Sore Throat: Should It Be Included in the 2-Week Wait Referral Criteria by NICE

Table 1

Symptoms suspecting cancer for urgent referral.

DoH 2000 Guidelines	NICE Guidelines 2005	NICE Guidelines 2015
Ulceration of oral mucosa persisting for > 3 weeks	Ulceration of oral mucosa persisting for > 3 weeks	Ulceration of oral mucosa persisting for > 3 weeks
All red or red and white patches of the oral mucosa	Unexplained red and white patches; (including suspected lichen planus) of the oral mucosa	A red or red and white patch in the oral cavity consistent with erythroplakia or; erythroleukoplakia
Hoarseness persisting for >6 weeks	Hoarseness persists for more than 3 weeks	Aged 45 or above persistent unexplained hoarseness
Unresolving neck masses for > 3 weeks	Unresolving neck lump for > 3 weeks	Persistent unexplained lump in the neck
Unexplained tooth mobility not associated with periodontal disease	Unexplained tooth mobility not associated with periodontal disease	Lump in the lip or oral cavity
Unilateral nasal obstruction particularly when associated with purulent discharge	Unexplained persistent sore or painful throat
Cranial neuropathies	Persistent swelling in the parotid or; submandibular gland
Orbital masses	Unilateral unexplained pain in the head and neck; area for more than 4 weeks, associated with otalgia but with normal otoscopy
Dysphagia persisting for 3 weeks
Oral swellings persisting for > 3 weeks