The Vague Symptom pathway is a pathway for patients presenting in primary care with vague but concerning symptoms, which might represent cancer, but that do not meet the NICaN referral guidelines for site-specific suspect cancer red flag pathways.
This pathway will allow quick access to regional Rapid Diagnostic Centres (RDC) currently located at Whiteabbey Hospital and South Tyrone Hospital. The RDC clinic is made up of a nurse lead, a doctor and a radiologist.
Please watch the GP information video for more information. GPs can refer via the CCG link. Patients should also be made aware of the referral with the potential of receiving a cancer diagnosis.
Who to refer
Patients >18y/o who are unsuitable for a site-specific pathway, with vague symptoms which may include:
- Unexplained weight-loss, fatigue, nausea or loss of appetite, new atypical pain, deranged bloods,
- or patients whom you have a gut feeling may have a malignancy.
Exclusion criteria
- Patients <18 yrs of age. Whilst the pathway has no older age limit we ask referrers to please be mindful of limitations due to frailty and mobility and to consider the option of Rapid Access Geriatric Services in areas where these are available.
- Patient meets criteria for NICaN site specific pathway or is already on one.
- Recent CT chest, abdomen and pelvis (within the last 6months).
- Patient is too unwell to attend or clearly needing acute admission.
- Patient unwilling or unable to attend at short notice or for the whole day.
A complete ‘Set A’ investigations is required for referral including:
- Bloods including: FBC, CRP, U+E, LFT’S, Bone profile, Thyroid function, HbA1C, Ferritin, B12, Coeliac screen, PSA for males and Ca125 for females- must be completed within 3 weeks of the referral being made. Accommodation can be made for unavoidable delays eg. Slow return on coeliac screen.
- Urinalysis with result included on referral.
- Recent weight with reference made to any specific weight-loss with regards time frame and amount lost.
- Full physical examination to include breast exam for females and PR exam for males.
- Please advise if patient is suitable for CT or onward treatment.
Patient information