New research shows persistently swollen neck glands could be an indication of cancer, and GPs should refer patients with such symptoms to a specialist.

Patients who have persistently swollen neck glands should be referred for specialist investigation as the symptom could indicate cancer, according to new research.

A team of scientists, led by the University of Exeter Medical School, say that such referrals could help to avoid some of the thousands of deaths each year from lymphoma.
More than 14,500 people are diagnosed with a form of lymphoma in the UK each year, with nearly 5,000 dying from the disease.

The latest figures, from 1995 to 1999, show that more than 6,320 deaths were avoidable in this period. The death rate is higher in the UK than the average across Europe.

Experts say earlier diagnosis is key - currently more than 40 per cent of patients visit their GP with symptoms at least three times before being referred for cancer investigations.

Two studies, by the University of Exeter Medical School and Universities of Oxford, Cambridge and Bangor, concluded that persistently swollen neck glands could indicate a high risk of this type of cancer.

The studies, published in the British Journal of General Practice, were the first to investigate the full risk profile for both types of lymphoma in general practice, where most patients first attend.

Professor Willie Hamilton, of the University of Exeter Medical School, said: "Our research has revealed the importance of persistent swollen lymph glands, particularly in the neck, as part of cancer.

"Of course swollen glands are common with throat infections, but in cancer, they are usually larger and painless.

"It's been known for a long time that this could represent cancer - this study shows that the risk is higher than previously thought."