What is head and neck cancer?

Head and neck cancers are a group of cancers that occur in the mouth, nose, throat, larynx, sinuses or salivary glands.  Although these cancers are different, they are grouped together as they are treated similarly.

What are symptoms of Head and Neck cancers?

Symptoms depend on the location of the tumour but can include:

• Pain
• Swelling
• Non-healing ulcer
• Difficulty swallowing
• Hoarse voice
• Bad breath
• Lumps in the neck

If you have any concerns, please see your doctor as soon as possible for a medical opinion.

What causes head and neck cancer?

Smoking and alcohol are the biggest risk factors for head and neck cancers.  Other risk factors include age, human papilloma virus infection, oral hygiene and nutrition.

The best way to prevent head and neck cancers is to give up smoking.  Your GP can discuss with you the appropriate aids to assist with this.

Treatment

Depending on the location of the tumour, the extent of the disease and your fitness for treatment, treatment options may include surgery alone, surgery followed by radiotherapy, chemoradiotherapy alone or possibly all three in combination for very high risk disease.

All our patients with Head and neck cancers are treated via a multidisciplinary group including specialist head and neck surgeons, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, radiologists, histopathologists and allied health staff to attain the best outcomes for our patients.