Head and neck cancer

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.