Oral Cancer Referrals in Carmarthenshire

17 Jan

If your dentist has referred you to a specialist for a suspicious area in your mouth, you might feel anxious—but knowing the process can bring peace of mind. The good news is that in Wales, this referral is almost certainly an urgent, fast-track process designed for speed and efficiency.

Step 1: The Online Referral

Your dentist will use a secure, electronic referral management system (e-RMS) for urgent suspected cancer cases. They won't be posting a letter; they will be completing a specialised form online. This digital pathway ensures your crucial information—including details about the lump, patch, or sore—reaches the hospital specialist team almost instantly.

The key to this process is the "2-Week Wait" target, meaning you should be seen by a specialist for your first appointment within two weeks of the referral being received.

Step 2: Referral Triage and Contact

Once your digital referral is submitted:

Immediate Receipt: The hospital system receives the referral right away.
Specialist Review: Your referral will be quickly reviewed, or 'triaged,' by a consultant, typically a specialist in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMFS) or a Head and Neck team. They determine the correct clinic and urgency.
The Call: The hospital will then contact you directly, usually by phone, to arrange your first appointment. It is essential to accept calls from unknown numbers during this time and ensure your dentist has your correct, current contact details.

Step 3: The Specialist Appointment

At your appointment, the specialist will perform a thorough examination. Remember, a referral is not a diagnosis of cancer; most people referred do not have cancer. The purpose of this visit is to get a definitive answer, which often involves a biopsy—taking a tiny sample of tissue for laboratory testing.

By understanding that your dentist has used a rapid digital system to connect you to urgent specialist care, you can focus on attending that crucial appointment promptly. Timeliness is the most powerful tool in early detection.