HNY Policy and Pathway Repository - Humber

Cancer in children and young people is rare. In the UK, only 1 in every 500 children under 15 develops a cancer. So about 1,600 children (up to the age of 15) in the UK are diagnosed with cancer each year.  

This form is only to be used for referrals with a high risk of cancer, and is appropriate for all childhood cancer sites.

No Red Flag Symptoms Listed

No Guidelines on Management Listed

Important Referral Checks

Our commissioned acute providers have asked that you bear in mind when sending in an urgent suspected childhood cancer referral to check:

1. Has it been explained to the parent/guardian that this referral is for investigations that could lead to a cancer diagnosis?
2. Have you checked that the patient/parent/guardian will be available in the next 48 hours to attend an appointment?
3. Have you provided the parent/guardian with further information about the appointment? 
4. Check patient’s and patient's parent/guardian contact details are up to date

Referral Criteria

A referral for childhood cancers includes all areas of paediatric cancer.  Further information on each of these is available here.  The types of cancer and further links are:-

Retinoblastoma

Consider urgent referral (for an appointment within 2 weeks) for ophthalmological assessment for retinoblastoma in children with an absent red reflex.

Soft Tissue Sarcoma 

Urgent u/s to be performed within 48 hours, to assess for soft tissue sarcoma with an unexplained lump that is increasing in size.  

Consider a very urgent referral (for an appointment within 48 hours) for children and young people if they have ultrasound scan findings that are suggestive of soft tissue sarcoma or if ultrasound findings are uncertain and clinical concern persist.   Consider Pathway information on Sarcoma

Wilms’ tumour

Consider very urgent referral (for an appointment within 48 hours) for specialist assessment for Wilms’ tumour in children with any of the following:

• a palpable abdominal mass
• an unexplained enlarged abdominal organ
• unexplained visible haematuria

Referrals

Telephone discussion are actively encouraged, either with Dr Kotwal on Telephone Number (01482) 674039 or with the Consultant Paediatrician On Call via the main switchboard on Telephone Number (01482)328541.

The Central Referral Point telephone number is: 01482 604308

Electronic referrals can be made via the NHS e-Referral system. Services for a 2 week wait, suspected cancer are found by searching on speciality for 2ww and then selecting the clinic type i.e. 2ww Children and Young People.

Information to Include

• Medical history / drugs / allergies
• Has patient been informed of the reason for the referral?

CCLG GUIDANCE

Refferal Guidance for Suspected Cancer in Childred and Youg People

Findings that may be associated with a cancer diagnosis in children