Our head and neck cancer team are involved in diagnosis, as well as surgical and medical management of cancers that can affect the head and neck region, including the tonsils, mouth/tongue (oral cavity), voice box (larynx), salivary glands, nose and neck nodes (lymph nodes).
Our services include:
- surgical treatment for Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) and maxillofacial cancers
- medical treatment (oncology) for ENT and maxillofacial cancers
- radiotherapy treatment
- specialist nurse-led clinics (multi-disciplinary pre- and post-treatment clinics)
- specialist altered airway support
- specialist dietician support
- specialist speech and language therapy
- complementary therapist and counselling services
- specialist prosthetics department
- participation in innovative research
- local, national and international teaching
- advice and guidance to GPs on referrals to the service
The team is made up of a range of specialist health professionals, including:
- maxillofacial and ENT surgeons
- oncologists
- radiologists
- histopathologists
- clinical nurse specialists (CNS)
- dieticians
- speech therapists
Our Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) is made up of specialist surgeons, oncologists, CNS, radiologists and histopathologists.
Signs and symptoms of head and neck cancer
It is important to check your mouth, neck and throat at least once a month. If you find any new or unusual changes or symptoms that persist for more than two weeks, please contact your GP, dentist or hospital team.
Common symptoms of head and neck cancer include:
- changes to voice
- lumps or swellings
- pain or discomfort
- problems swallowing
- ulcers/sores
- unintentional weight loss
What to expect in your initial consultation
During your initial consultation you will meet with your consultant, where they will gain more information about you and your referral. They may also need to organise some investigations to be carried out.
Contact details
Head and neck clinical nurse specialist (CNS) team
The team are contactable from Monday to Friday, 08:00–16:00. There is an answerphone and email service in which we will aim to respond within one to two working days (not including bank holidays). Please be advised this is not an emergency service, and if you need urgent help please contact your GP, call 111 or go to your nearest emergency department.
Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham (QEHB):
Heartlands Hospital:
Acute Oncology Services (AOS)
For any patients on anti–cancer treatment who suffer from:
- a temperature of 37.5C or above
- flu-like symptoms
- shivers/chills or feel poorly
Please call the AOS 24-hour emergency helpline straight away:
See also
Other websites
Last reviewed: 20 October 2025