KEY POINTS
- In the UK, hypopharyngeal cancer accounts for approximately 3% of
head and neck cancers.
- In our centre, 50% of all cases of hypopharyngeal cancer in our study
period were referred via a 2WW pathway.
- An effective secondary care triaging service aids in the recognition
of hypopharyngeal referred via a non-2WW route.
- Patients presenting via an emergency route, typically go on to have
poorer outcomes.
- The current NCA 2WW proforma when utilised by primary care clinicians
has not negatively impacted on route to diagnosis of patients with
hypopharyngeal cancer.