Referral guidelines for suspected cancer of the head and neck

Objective To identify the impact of referral guidelines for head and neck cancer on the economics and effectiveness of the delivery of care. Methods A retrospective review of the literature was performed to examine the current referral guidelines and referral models that have impacted the delivery of care. Results Advances in technology and changes in the diagnostic work up of head and neck cancer require that common symptoms and presentations of head and neck cancer are made available to primary care physicians to improve the expeditious referral of head and neck cancer patients. Conclusion Physician awareness and symptom guidelines may prove effective in expediting the care of patients with head and neck cancer.