Head and neck conditions and treatments

Follow the links to find out more information on:

Surgery

There are many types of surgery for Head and Neck cancers and include: 

Information sheets designed by the Leeds Cancer Centre will be added in due course.

More information can be found at The Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Department and also the ENT Department.

Radiotherapy

Radiotherapy is the treatment of cancer with X-rays to kill cancer cells. In the treatment of head and neck cancers it can either be given on its own, before or after surgery, or with chemotherapy

Radiotherapy is given as an outpatient with the treatment schedule varying in the number of treatments given including: 

The oncologist always discusses the appropriate schedule including the planning process prior to the delivery of treatment. The head and neck nurse specialist is also available to discuss the treatment and possible side effects.

Potential side-effects

Radiotherapy itself is painless. However, there are some side effects associated with it and include fatigue, skin reactions, a sore gullet and mouth. The side effects usually gradually disappear after completion of treatment.

If you develop any side effects, you should seek advice from your oncologist or lung cancer nurse specialist.

Drug Therapy

The different types of drug therapy that can be used to treat head and neck cancer include:

  • Chemotherapy
  • Targeted therapy

 The aims of these treatments are to:  

  • shrink the cancer
  • keep the disease under control
  • help to manage symptoms

Chemotherapy drugs

The most common chemotherapy drugs used for the treatment of head and neck cancer include:

Targeted therapy

Targeted therapy targets specific parts of cancer cells to prevent growth.

When treatment is complete

When treatment is complete a member of the team will discuss what happens.  

The Head and Neck Nurse Specialist team are available for advice and can be contacted on 0113 2068616.

  • Page last reviewed: