What are the referral criteria for suspected laryngeal cancer to an ENT specialist?

Guideline-aligned answer with reasoning, red flags and references. Clinically reviewed by Dr Kola Tytler MBBS CertHE MBA MRCGP.

Posted: 22 August 2025Updated: 22 August 2025 Guideline-Aligned (High Confidence) Clinically Reviewed
Dr Kola Tytler MBBS CertHE MBA MRCGPClinical Lead • iatroX

Referral criteria for suspected laryngeal cancer to an ENT specialist:

  • Consider a suspected cancer pathway referral for laryngeal cancer in people aged 45 and over with persistent, unexplained hoarseness.
  • Consider a suspected cancer pathway referral for laryngeal cancer in people aged 45 and over with an unexplained lump in the neck.

These criteria indicate that any patient aged 45 or older presenting with either persistent unexplained hoarseness or an unexplained neck lump should be urgently referred to an ENT specialist for suspected laryngeal cancer.

References:

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