What are the referral criteria for a patient with suspected brain or spinal cord tumours to a neuro-oncology specialist?

Referral criteria for suspected brain or spinal cord tumours to a neuro-oncology specialist:

• Consider an urgent referral for adults with progressive, sub-acute loss of central neurological function for direct access MRI brain scan (or CT if MRI contraindicated) within 2 weeks to assess for brain or central nervous system cancer ¹.
• For children and young people with newly abnormal cerebellar or other central neurological function, consider a very urgent referral for specialist assessment within 48 hours ¹.
• Following imaging or clinical suspicion of brain or spinal cord tumour, refer promptly to a neuro-oncology specialist for diagnosis, treatment planning, and coordination of care ².
• Ensure the referral pathway allows timely access to neuro-oncology multidisciplinary teams for further management ².

These criteria emphasize rapid assessment and referral based on neurological symptoms suggestive of central nervous system tumours to facilitate early diagnosis and specialist management.