Known or suspected upper gastrointestinal malignancy

Known or suspected upper gastrointestinal malignancy — referral criteria for General surgery services.

Eligibility

At least one must be met for the patient to be eligible for referral.

Clinically suspected or confirmed known or suspected upper gastrointestinal malignancy with initial primary-care work-up completed

Red flags

Indicate urgent (Category 1) referral or emergency assessment.

Progressively worsening oropharyngeal or throat dysphagia

Inability to swallow with drooling or pooling of saliva

Suspected oesophageal rupture or oesophageal bleeding

Unresolved food bolus obstruction

Shortness of breath or chest pain, syncope or pre-syncope with iron deficiency (ferritin below the lower limit of normal)

Routine referral criteria

Determine Category 2 or 3 urgency.

Known or suspected upper gastrointestinal malignancy

Progressive dysphagia

Iron deficient anaemia that persists despite correction of potential causative factors