Research Article

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

Table 3

Cancer detection rate in a patient referred through 2 ww pathway and NOT compliant with NICE guidelines.

Symptoms Frequency (%) Cancer positive Included in 2005
NICE guidelines
Included in 2015 NICE guidelines PPV (%)

The sensation of a lump in the throat18114.3%0NoNo0%

Intermittent hoarseness1159.1%0NoNo0%

Intermittent sore throat785.7%0NoNo0%

Discomfort in throat785.7%0NoNo0%

Unilateral nasal obstruction and discharge 533.91NoNo 1.89

Unilateral OME423.1%0NoNo0%

Dysphagia for > 3 weeks 332.42NoNo 6.06

Intermittent sore throat and hoarseness332.4%0NoNo0%

Unilateral nasal obstruction only272.1%0NoNo0%

Presence of blood in the mouth2411NoNo 4.17

Unilateral nasal discharge only221.6%0NoNo0%

Unexplained septum ulcer181.3%0NoNo0%

Persistent unexplained facial palsy 181.21NoNo 5.56

Unilateral neck pain161.2%0NoNo0%

Tightness throat120.9%0NoNo0%

Smell disturbance110.8%0NoNo0%

Unexplained septum Perforation90.7%0NoNo0%

Persistent unexplained sore nose90.7%0NoNo0%

Taste disturbance60.4%0NoNo0%

Blood in the ear50.4%0NoNo0%

Total7905