Head and neck cancer

Head and neck cancer is a relatively uncommon type of cancer. However, there are more than 30 areas within the head and neck where cancer can develop, including the lips and mouth (oral cavity), larynx (voice box), nose and sinuses, pharynx (throat), salivary glands and nasopharynx (the area at the back of the nose and mouth).

The head and neck cancer team provide a diagnostic and treatment service for patients with suspected or confirmed head and neck cancer after referral from your GP or another healthcare professional.

Treatment options will be discussed with you by one of our team but could include:

  • surgery
  • radiotherapy
  • chemotherapy

Contact us

Northern Services

North Devon District Hospital 

Main switchboard on 01271 322577

Eastern Services

Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (Wonford) 

Main switchboard on 01392 411611

If you are already a patient of ours, we offer 24-hour nursing advice, so if you have any concerns, please contact us on 01392 402807.

Where will I be seen?

Meet the team

Our dedicated team is made up of ear, nose and throat (ENT) consultant surgeons, consultant oncologists, consultant oral and maxillofacial surgeons, consultant plastic and reconstructive surgeons, consultant radiologists, consultant pathologists, head and neck specialist nurses, language therapists, dietitians, and head and neck therapeutic radiographers.

Eastern services

If you are already a patient of ours, we offer 24-hour nursing advice, so if you have any concerns, please contact us on 01392 402807.

Consultant ear, nose and throat surgeons

  • Mr Andrew Husband
  • Mr Joel Smith
  • Mr George Barrett

Consultant maxillofacial surgeons

  • Mr Andrew McLennan
  • Mr John Bowden

Consultant plastic and reconstructive surgeons

  • Mr Bara El Khayat
  • Mr Anthony Fitton

Consultant oncologists

  • Dr David Hwang
  • Dr Chris Hamilton

Clinical nurse specialists

  • Claire Barber
  • Zoe Copp
  • Joy Higgs
  • Kelly Kingwell

Services and treatments

The  Macmillan website explains more about the different types of treatments offered.

You can also find out more about the different types of treatment by visiting the NHS website. 

This includes:

  • Surgery
  • Chemotherapy
  • Radiotherapy
  • Hormone treatment
  • Targeted therapy

Supporting you

Having cancer can have an impact on every aspect of your life and on those around you. We understand that this is a difficult and often frightening time for you and your loved ones, which is why we have put together a wide range of information to help you live with and beyond cancer.

Some of these services are available locally, whilst others cover Devon and/or the South West Peninsula as a whole. 

Find out more

Patient information leaflets

We produce a wide range of leaflets which provide information about our services and about the treatment you might receive in our clinics or during your stay in hospital. 

We also produce these in different formats including large print, please contact the department you are visiting for more information.

Find out more

Useful videos

We have a wide range of videos which provide information about our services and about the treatment you might receive in our clinics or during your stay in hospital. 

Find out more

Last updated: November 14, 2022.