Head and Neck Cancers

Key Staff

Consultants/Surgeons

  • Mr Robert Harris, Consultant Head & Neck Surgeon
  • Mr Thomas Jacques, Consultant Head & Neck Surgeon
  • Mr Georgios Oikonomou, Consultant Head & Neck Surgeon

Working hours: Monday-Friday 9.00 - 17.00

Tel 020 8401 3978  Email ch-tr.ent@nhs.net

 

About head and neck cancers

Head and neck cancer is a relatively uncommon type of cancer. Around 12,400 new cases are diagnosed in the UK each year.

There are more than 30 areas within the head and neck where cancer can develop, including the:

 

What are the tests to confirm the diagnosis?

If a GP refers you to a specialist because they think you could have cancer, you'll have tests to check for cancer

You usually start by seeing your GP. Sometimes symptoms may be picked up by your dentist. If they think your symptoms could be linked to cancer, they will refer you to a specialist head and neck doctor. You may see an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist.

Please read this NHS information leaflet if you have been referred by your dentist or optometrists

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The specialist doctor will ask you about your symptoms and general health. They will check your mouth using a small mirror and light and examine the area where the lump is. If your only symptom is a lump in your neck, you may be referred to a hospital that has a neck lump clinic.

For more information on diagnostic test: Macmillan information: A-Z Diagnostic tests

 

What treatment are available?

If you've been told you have cancer, you may need more tests. The results of these tests can show the stage/extend of your cancer, and if the cancer has been caused by certain changes in your genes

Your treatment depends on:

  • where the cancer is
  • the type and stage of the cancer
  • the best way to maintain appearance, speech and swallowing
  • your general health

 

Your specialist treatment team will:

  • explain the treatments, the benefits and side effects
  • work with you to make a treatment plan that's best for you
  • help you to manage the side effects of treatment

Doctors plan your treatment so the effect on your appearance, speech, swallowing and eating is as little as possible.

If treatment is likely to affect any of these, your doctor and nurse will talk to you about this. They will explain how long this is likely to last and how they can support you. You may see different specialists such as a dentist, speech or language therapist (SLT), or dietitian during treatment.

Patient may be offered a combination of treatments including surgery , chemoradiation , chemotherapy , radiotherapy , targeted therapies and immunotherapy

(Macmillan, 2024)

If you have any questions or worries, you can talk to your specialist team.

Treatments are offered in collaboration with St George’s Hospital Trust and the Royal Marsden Hospital. 

Macmillan information: Making treatment decisions

Macmillan information: A-Z treatments- drugs

Macmillan information on  preparing for head and neck cancer treatment . 

Macmillan information: After Treatment

 

Personalised Cancer Care

Personalised cancer care allows you to take an active role in the way your care is planned and delivered by identifying your concerns and support needs. It puts you in control of your care, with our help.

There are lots of things you can do to look after your own health during and after cancer treatment. Some of this can be done with the involvement of your clinical team, such as physical activity and dietary modifications

Here  are the key elements of personalised care for our cancer patients:

  • Personalised Assessment and Care Planning
  • Access to health and wellbeing information and support
  • End of treatment summaries to support you with understanding and managing impacts of cancer– also shared with your GP so they can support you.
  • Stratified Follow up when you have finished treatment or are living with cancer.

Read the  Personalised Cancer Care Guide    for newly diagnosed patients at Croydon Health Services.

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Macmillan information in Easy reads

 

Additional support