Head and neck cancer

We care for people with head and neck cancers, a rare group of cancers with about 10,000 new cases each year in the UK. These cancers can affect:

  • Mouth and lips
  • Larynx (voice box)
  • Throat
  • Salivary glands
  • Nose and sinuses

Our clinic is based at Bradford Teaching Hospitals. Some treatments may also take place at partner hospitals such as Leeds Cancer Centre at St James’s Hospital.

We know a cancer referral can feel worrying. You are welcome to bring a friend or family member for support when you come for your appointments. They may not be able to enter certain areas, like imaging or treatment rooms, but our team will help you feel supported throughout.

Meet the Team

Theo Boye
Consultant – Maxilliofacial

Farhan-Khalid
Consultant – Maxilliofacial

Mr Ahmed Al-Khayatt

Ahmed-Al-Khayatt
Consultant in Restorative Dentistry and Oral / Maxillofacial unit

25012723 Vlasios Oktseloglou – Consultant 4C8A2604

Vlasios Oktseloglou
Consultant

Margaret Evans
Highly Specialist Speech Therapist

25012722 Hamzah Rana - Head and Neck Care Coordinator 4C8A2596

Hamzah Rana
Head and Neck Care Coordinator

Helen Lambert
Head and Neck Cancer Secretary

Elaine Sergeant
Cancer Nurse Specialist

25012719 Claire Cram - Head & Neck Cancer Nurse Specialist 4C8A2572

Claire Cram
Head Neck Cancer Nurse Specialist

25012718 Kasie Thorpe - Head and Neck Clinical Nurse specialist 4C8A2570

Kasie Thorpe
Head and Neck Clinical Nurse Specialist

25021133 Lucy Taylor - Macmillan Head and Neck Cancer Highly Specialist Dietitian 4C8A2785

Lucy Taylor
Macmillan Head and Neck Cancer Highly Specialist Dietitian

Tahira Afzal
Macmillan Specialist Dietitian

Contact us

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact:

  • Your Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) – 01274 365848
    (Mon-Fri 08:30-16:30, please leave a message outside of these times and we’ll return your call asap).

Symptoms and diagnostics

Symptoms – see your GP if you notice
  • Sore throat or hoarseness that doesn’t go away
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Lump in the mouth, throat, or neck
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Ear pain or hearing changes that don’t improve
  • White or red patch inside the mouth that doesn’t heal
  • Nosebleeds or a blocked nose on one side that won’t clear

If you have any of these symptoms, speak to your GP as soon as possible.

Diagnosis – tests you may have
  • CT scan – A type of x-ray that gives a 360° image of the area
  • MRI scan – Uses magnets and radio waves to create detailed pictures (no radiation)
  • PET-CT scan – Shows the whole body and highlights active areas in tissues
  • Ultrasound scan – Uses sound waves to look at a lump in the neck (a biopsy may be taken)
  • Nasendoscopy – A thin tube with a light is passed through the nose to look at the throat. This is quick and painless and often done in clinic

Treatment options

Treatment depends on the size, type, and location of the cancer, whether it has spread, and your general health. Your consultant will discuss what’s best for you.

Surgery

Different types of surgery are available depending on where the cancer is. Your consultant will explain your options if surgery is recommended.

Radiotherapy

Uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. It may be used:

  • in early-stage cancer
  • after surgery to reduce the risk of cancer returning
  • to relieve symptoms if a cure isn’t possible

Radiotherapy for head and neck cancers is given at St James’s Hospital, Leeds. The number of sessions depends on your treatment plan.

Chemotherapy

Uses drugs to treat cancer. Not all patients will need it. If it is recommended, your healthcare team will explain when and how it will be given.

Immunotherapy

Helps your immune system recognise and attack cancer cells. If suitable, you will be referred to the Systemic Therapy Clinic in Leeds.

Palliative care

If a cure isn’t possible, palliative treatments such as radiotherapy and symptom control can improve quality of life. Our team will work with you to manage symptoms and support you and your family.