Head and neck services
Our team of surgeons and specialist nurses look after adults and children with conditions affecting the head and neck. This includes different types of cancer but also benign (non-cancerous) conditions.
There are more than 30 areas within the head and neck where cancer can develop, including the:
- mouth and lips
- voice box (larynx)
- throat (pharynx)
- salivary glands
- nose and sinuses
- area at the back of the nose and mouth (nasopharynx)
We also see people with facial skin lesions, including skin cancer. Most cancers of the head and neck do not include the brain.
Contact us
Northern services
North Devon District Hospital
Main switchboard on 01271 322577
Eastern services
A 24-hour nursing advice for patients already known to this service is available on Otter Ward 01392 402807
Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (Wonford)
We can be contacted via the main hospital switchboard on 01392 411611
Where to find us
Your healthcare professional will advise where your appointment will take place. Your appointment may take place at one of our outpatient clinics situated within our main hospital sites or within the community.
Northern Services
North Devon District Hospital
North Devon District Hospital
Raleigh Park
Barnstaple
Devon
EX31 4JB
Eastern services
Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (Wonford)
Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (Wonford)
Barrack Road
Exeter
EX2 5DW
- Joint head and neck cancer clinic every Monday afternoon
- Post radiotherapy review clinic every Tuesday morning
- Dedicated valve clinic every Thursday
- Nurse led airway and general clinic every Tuesday afternoon,
- Pre-treatment head and neck cancer clinic every Thursday morning
- Radiotherapy review clinic every Friday
- Voice clinic every Tuesday morning
- Neck lump clinic every Thursday morning
Services and treatments
Once you have been diagnosed, our team of specialists will meet to discuss the best possible treatment for you. This is called a multidisciplinary team (MDT).
Our ENT surgeons work closely with the oral & maxillofacial surgeons, who specialise in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the mouth, jaws, face and neck.
Head and neck cancers are usually treated with surgery, radiotherapy, with or without chemotherapy (or a combination of these treatments). The type of surgery needed and the particular combination of treatments will depend on the type and complexity of head and neck cancer.
Supporting you
Eastern services
Our patient support groups are here to help you through your treatment:
- North Devon Laryngectomy Group
- Exeter Laryngectomy Group
- Group sessions for Acupuncture clinics (dry mouth)
FORCE run groups:
- Moving On Group
- Looking Good, Feel Better
For details on any of these groups, please contact the Head and Neck specialist nurses.