Information for the public
Mouth, throat and neck
Mouth, throat and neck
Being referred to a specialist does not mean that you have cancer. Very few people who are referred to a specialist actually have cancer. However, it is important that you are checked quickly to find out. If you do have cancer, spotting it early can mean treatment is easier and more likely to be successful.
Lumps in your neck
If you have a lump in your neck and your GP thinks cancer is possible, you may be offered an appointment to see a cancer specialist within 2 weeks. If your GP thinks the lump is in your thyroid (a small gland in the neck) the appointment may be to check for thyroid cancer. If you are 45 or over the appointment may be to check for cancer of the voice box (larynx). If the lump is long‑lasting, the appointment may be to check for cancer of the mouth.
If you have lumps caused by swollen glands in your neck and your GP thinks cancer is possible, you may be offered an appointment to see a cancer specialist within 2 weeks to check for lymphoma. This is a cancer of the lymphatic system, which includes things like lymph glands throughout your body that help to fight infection. Your GP will also check if you have any other symptoms of lymphoma, such as fever, night sweats, shortness of breath, itchy skin, weight loss or pain in your glands when you drink alcohol.
If you have swollen lymph glands in other areas of your body as well as in your neck, you may be offered a blood test to check for leukaemia (cancer of the white blood cells) – this should be done within 2 days.
If you are over 40 and have had swollen glands in your neck for longer than normal or they are at the base of your neck, you might get sent for a chest X‑ray to check for lung cancer.
Problems swallowing
If you have problems swallowing food and drink, your GP should organise a procedure called an endoscopy for you within 2 weeks. This procedure allows a doctor to take a look inside your throat and stomach to check for any signs of cancer.
Hoarseness
If you are over 45 and are hoarse (your voice is raspy or strained) for longer than would normally be expected if it was caused by something else, your GP might offer you an appointment to see a specialist within 2 weeks to check for cancer of the voice box (larynx).
Lumps, ulcers or other problems in your mouth or lips
If you have a lump on your lip or the inside of your mouth, or a red or red and white patch on the inside of your mouth, your GP may refer you to see a dentist within 2 weeks. If the dentist thinks that cancer of the mouth is possible, they may offer you an appointment to see a cancer specialist within 2 weeks.
You may also be offered an appointment to see a specialist within 2 weeks if you have had a mouth ulcer (a sore inside your mouth) for more than 3 weeks and your GP doesn't think it is caused by anything else.