Referral

Upper gastrointestinal tract

Scope

This guidance covers the referral of a patient who presents with symptoms suggestive of upper gastrointestinal cancer who should be referred to a team specialising in the management of upper gastrointestinal cancer, depending on local arrangements.

Helicobacter pylori status should not affect the decision to refer for suspected cancer.

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.

Toggle all

For all patients with new-onset dyspepsia, consider a full blood count to detect iron deficiency anaemia.

Referral Criteria

Oesophageal or gastric cancer

  • Upper GI endoscopy indicates oesophageal cancer
  • Dysphagia
  • Aged 55 and over with weight loss and any of the following
    • Upper abdo pain
    • Reflux
    • Dyspepsia
  • Upper abdominal mass consistent with stomach cancer

Gall bladder cancer

  • Ultrasound indicates gall bladder cancer

Liver cancer

  • Ultrasound indicates liver cancer

Pancreatic cancer

  • Aged 40 and over and have jaundice
  • CT indicates pancreatic cancer
  • Ultrasound indicates pancreatic cancer

The following recent blood results, less than 8 weeks old, would be extremely helpful:

  • FBC
  • U&E
  • LFT
  • Ferritin
  • Iron studies
  • Bilirubin

Referral Instructions

The GP should use e-Referral Service to book an appointment or send the referral.

Please ensure you include:

  • The patient's NHS number
  • Tell the patient that this is an urgent referral and they will be seen within 14 days

e-Referral selection:

  • Specialty: 2WW
  • Clinic type: 2WW Upper GI
  • Service: Telephone Assessment Service-Derriford-RK9

Referral Forms

Suspected Upper GI Tract cancer referral form - No merge fields

Suspected Upper GI Tract cancer referral form - EMIS

Suspected Upper GI Tract cancer referral form - SystmOne