What are the current guidelines for referring a patient with suspected mesothelioma to a specialist?

Referral guidelines for suspected mesothelioma:

• For patients aged 40 and over with unexplained chest pain who have a history of asbestos exposure, an urgent chest X-ray should be offered to be done within 2 weeks.
• Similarly, patients aged 40 and over presenting with unexplained cough or shortness of breath and a history of asbestos exposure should also be offered an urgent chest X-ray within 2 weeks.
• Chest signs compatible with pleural disease in patients aged 40 and over warrant consideration of an urgent chest X-ray within 2 weeks.
• Finger clubbing in patients aged 40 and over is another indication to consider an urgent chest X-ray within 2 weeks.
• If the chest X-ray findings or clinical suspicion remain high for mesothelioma, the patient should be referred urgently to a specialist for further assessment and management.

These recommendations aim to ensure early detection and timely specialist referral for suspected mesothelioma cases.

Summary: Patients aged 40+ with unexplained respiratory symptoms (chest pain, cough, shortness of breath), especially with asbestos exposure or pleural signs, should have an urgent chest X-ray within 2 weeks. If suspicion persists, urgent referral to a specialist is indicated.

NICE NG12