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GPs can refer a patient they suspect of having cancer to be seen within 14 days by a specialist. GPs must send the referral within 24 hours of the decision to refer.
Please use the referral forms listed on this page to ensure appropriateness. They have been agreed by the Peninsula Cancer Network.
Refer a patient who presents with symptoms suggesting gynaecological cancer to a team specialising in the management of gynaecological cancer, depending on local arrangements.
A full pelvic examination, including speculum examination of the cervix, is recommended for patients presenting with any of the following:
Ovarian cancer is difficult to diagnose. In patients with vague, non-specific, unexplained abdominal symptoms such as:
In patients with vulval pruritus or pain, a period of 'treat, watch and wait' is reasonable. Active follow-up is recommended until symptoms resolve or a diagnosis is confirmed. If symptoms persist, the referral may be urgent or non-urgent, depending on the symptoms and the degree of concern about cancer.
Consider pelvic USS/Ca 125 and FBC where appropriate.
Supected gynaecological cancer referral criteria
1. Ovarian cancer (include Ca125) – Physical examination identifies ascites and/or a pelvic or abdominal mass (not obviously fibroids)
2. Endometrial cancer – Refer patients aged 55 and over with post-menopausal bleeding (unexplained vaginal bleeding of more than 12 months after menstruation has stopped because of the menopause)
3. Cervical cancer – when the appearance on cervical examination is consistent with cervical cancer
4. Vulval cancer – unexplained vulval lump, ulceration or bleeding
5. Vaginal cancer – unexplained palpable mass in or at the entrance of the vagina
A recent FBC would be useful
The GP should use e-Referral Service to book the appointment where this service is available
Please ensure you include:
e-Referral selection:
Please ensure that referrals are booked via NHS e-Referral Service. If no slots are available please defer to provider and the RDE will book the appointment and contact the patient. Please also ensure that referral letters are attached to the system within 24 hours to enable us to book pre appointment tests and scans timely.
For any patients that you are unable to process through NHS e-Referral please contact the drss.helpdesk@nhs.net
Suspected Gynaecological cancer referral form - No merge fields
Suspected Gynaecological cancer referral form - Emis WEB
Suspected Gynaecological cancer referral form - Microtest
Suspected Gynaecological cancer referral form - Systmone with Problems Merge field
Suspected-Gynaecological-Cancer-Referral-Form-Systmone Summary Merge field
NICE referral guidelines for suspected cancer
Suspected Cancer Guidelines A-Z
NICE referral guidelines for suspected cancer
bmj - New NICE guidance on referral for cancer
bmj - Assessing and referring adult cancers infographic
New Leaflet available for patients who are referred to exclude a diagnosis of cancer
New Leaflet available for patients who are referred to exclude a diagnosis of cancer
This guideline has been signed off by NEW Devon CCG
Publication date: November 2016
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