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Head and neck conditions and treatments

Follow the links to find out more information on:

  • Ìý

Surgery

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

  • Laryngectomy
  • Radial Forearm Free Flap
  • Antereolateral Thigh Free Flap
  • Medial Sural Artery Perforator Free Flap
  • Scapula Free Flap
  • Pectoralis Major Pedicled Flap
  • Fibula Free Flap
  • Laser Surgery

Information sheets designed by the Ä¢¹½tvÊÓƵ Cancer Centre will be added in due course.

More information can be found atÌýThe Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Department and also theÌýENT Department.

Radiotherapy

RadiotherapyÌýis the treatment of cancer with X-rays to kill cancer cells.ÌýInÌýthe treatment of head and neck cancers itÌýcan 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:Ìý

The oncologist alwaysÌýdiscusses the appropriate schedule including the planning process prior to the delivery of treatment.ÌýThe head and neckÌýnurse 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,Ìýskin reactions,Ìýa sore gullet and mouth. TheÌýside 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 neckÌýcancer include:

  • Chemotherapy
  • Targeted therapy

ÌýThe aims of these treatments are to:ÌýÌý

  • 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 neckÌýcancer include:

Targeted therapy

Targeted therapyÌýtargets specific parts of cancer cells to prevent growth.

When treatment is complete

When treatment is complete a member of the teamÌýwill discuss what happens.ÌýÌý

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

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