Head and Neck Cancer Service
We provide a comprehensive treatment service for patients from Oxford and the surrounding areas, treating difficult and complex cases.
We are based at the Churchill Hospital, where a specialist ward also cares for patients with tracheostomies and other surgical problems.
We specialise in treating tumours within the head and neck. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment can result in the successful treatment of such conditions.
Head and neck cancer is the term used to describe a variety of malignant tumours which develop in the:
- mouth (Oral Cavity)
- throat (Pharynx)
- voice box (Larynx)
- salivary glands
- nose
- sinuses.
Around 80 percent of neck lumps in adults are cancerous (malignant), while 20 percent are non-cancerous (benign).
Our team
Our multidisciplinary team comprises:
- Ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgeons
- Oral and maxillofacial surgeons
- Plastic surgeons
- Oncologists
- Specialist dietitians
- Speech and language therapists
- Physiotherapists
- Specialist nurses.
Outpatients
Our dedicated Outpatient Department provides state-of-the-art equipment, including endoscopes and audiovisual facilities.
We diagnose, evaluate and manage conditions that affect the voice, breathing and swallowing, as well as head and neck tumours including the skull base and interface with the brain.
We offer diagnosis of head and neck cancer, including reconstructive surgery, and management of facial pain, including jaw joint disorders.
MDT Clinic
The MDT Clinic takes place on Thursdays 3.00pm - 6.00pm.
This clinic is arranged very differently to the usual clinics run in this department. Although we will give you an appointment time, there is no guarantee that we can see you at this given time.
During the course of your appointment you may need to see a number of professionals at the same time; another patient may also need to see a different combination of the same professionals.
Pre-operative Assessment
At this nurse-led clinic we assess your medical health and fitness for surgery and provide you with information about your operation and recovery.
Depending on your planned surgery, your pre-operative assessment can be face to face or by telephone. If you have complex medical issues an anaesthetic consultant may see you in clinic.
We ask you to complete a health screening questionnaire before your appointment, and to have a list of all your medications with you for your appointment.
We ask about your medical history, current medication and allergies, and any ocial circumstances relevant to your admission and discharge home.
We do some tests, such as blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation levels, height and weight, and other appropriate investigations according to your individual needs, for example blood tests, a heart trace and screening for MRSA.
MRSA
To treat any MRSA bacteria on your body, we may give you an antimicrobial body/hair wash, nasal cream and mouthwash before your surgery - we will explain how to use these.
Covered in your assessment
- Preparing for your surgery
- Fasting (before having a general anaesthetic)
- Medications
- Optimising your health
- Preparing for admission
- Preventing blood clots
- Aftercare
Patient leaflets
Visitors
Please see Visitor FAQs
Find us and contact us
Blenheim Head and Neck Outpatients
Level 0, Churchill Hospital
Old Road
Headington
Oxford OX3 7LE
Outpatients: 01865 223556
How to find the Churchill Hospital
Links
Last reviewed:16 January 2025