CT Pancreas Pathway to Diagnose Pancreatic Cancer
Pathway Success:
Lewisham and Greenwich Hospital on average is receiving 3 direct access CT pancreas per week. Since its launch in October 2021 there has been 2 rapid malignancies diagnosed, meeting the key aim of faster cancer diagnosis via primary care. The implementation of direct to CT access can achieve a quicker diagnosis for people that have suspected pancreatic cancer symptoms in line with NICE 12 guidelines. This will not only provide reassurance to the person but to the referring clinician also. Please make use of our nhs.net radiology referrals when referring patients on this pathway: LH.Radiology@nhs.net . We shall be using the nhs.net pathway to help track and record these referrals. *Patient information leaflet*
Pathway Requirements:
There has been an increased number of referrals that don’t meet the criteria or don’t have the appropriate information included that subsequently are rejected by radiology. This results in delays for the patient and added steps for you so please ensure all the criteria for this pathway below are met:
- Correct Urgent Ca Pancreas referral form used (not general radiology referral form)
- eGFR value in last 3-months. Please do not attach this separately.
- Aged ≥ 60.
- High risk symptoms and GP suspicion for Pancreas Cancer, which are clearly stated in the additional clinical information section to justify the CT scan.
- Referrals to be sent via DXS/GP practice generic email. NOT sent via email attachment.
What to do if my patient does not meet the criteria?
This is a specific diagnostic pathway with specific criteria pathway and should be treated as a 2ww referral. If your patient is younger than 60 and/or does not meet the criteria please consider these alternative pathways:
- 2ww referral.
- Rapid Diagnostic Centre referral at Guys hospital.
- Advice and Guidance or Consultant Connect.