Importance of quality in referral letters sent for potentially malignant oral, head and neck lesions.

UNLABELLED Early diagnosis of oral, head and neck cancer is very important. Delay in diagnosis and referral to a specialist unit can result in an enlarged tumour with an increased chance of metastatic spread which will result in upstaging of the tumour, thus worsening the five year survival rate. There is a great need for early identification and referral of potentially malignant lesions by general dental and medical practitioners. Referral letters are the standard and, typically, the sole method of communicating confidential information between two professionals. It is vital that the referral letters sent for potential malignant lesions are of good quality, clearly marked as urgent and contain adequate administrative and clinical data. An audit was undertaken at the Oral and Maxillofacial Department at Barnet and Chase Farm NHS Trust, to examine the quality of referral letters sent for potentially malignant oral, head and neck lesions. The outcome is discussed and a standard referral letter is also proposed if not referring using the standard local cancer network referral proforma. CLINICAL RELEVANCE A good quality referral letter should minimize delay in diagnoses and management of a patient with an oral, head and neck lesion.