LOC at Chelsea
102 Sydney Street SW3 6NJ London
Head and neck cancer
A rare group of cancers that can originate in any tissue or organ within the head or neck. If you are diagnosed with head and neck cancer, you will have immediate access to our world-leading consultants and state-of-the-art hospitals
Types of head and neck cancer
Larynx cancer
Most cancers of the larynx are squamous cell carcinomas. This means the cancer starts in the thin, flat cells that line the larynx (voice box).
Oral cancer
Oral cancer can start anywhere in the mouth. It includes the lips, tongue, gums, inside lining of the cheeks and lips, floor and roof of the mouth and behind the wisdom teeth.
Thyroid cancer
The thyroid is a small gland in the neck. The first symptom of thyroid cancer is usually a painless lump in the front of your neck, which slowly gets bigger.
Need to know
Symptoms of head and neck cancer may include:
- persistent mouth ulcers
- pain when swallowing or chewing and/or trouble swallowing
- persistent sore throat and/or earache affecting one side of the body
- a lump or swelling in the neck or mouth
- difficulty speaking or breathing
- tooth loss
- pain of the upper jaw or face
- a continuing sore throat and/or blocked nose or nose bleeds
- changes or difficulty in hearing
- red or white areas that form on the tongue or lining of the mouth
- swelling of singular or multiple lymph nodes
There are many other reasons that can cause these symptoms. However, it is important that you visit your consultant for screening as soon as symptoms appear.
We offer a number of investigations and tests to confirm a diagnosis of head and neck cancer, including:
- blood tests
- biopsies
- fine needle aspiration cytology
- scans such as OPG X-ray, CT, MRI and PET
If you are diagnosed with head and neck cancer you will have immediate access to our world-class consultants and state-of-the-art facilities.
Your consultant will talk you through your treatment options, which may include:
- surgery
- chemotherapy
- radiotherapy
- molecular profiling
Your consultant will work closely with other leading specialists as part of a multidisciplinary team to design a treatment plan based on your specific type of head and neck cancer.
Sue's story
Hear from Sue who came to see Mr Ricard Simo, Consultant Head & Neck Surgeon, after she found a lump in her neck.
Our Head and neck cancer locations
LOC at The Harley Street Clinic
81-83 Harley Street W1G 8PP London
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.