MAJOR HEAD & NECK CANCER

Head and neck cancer includes a range of different cancers that originate from the head and neck region. Most head and neck cancers originate from a tissue called squamous epithelium which lines the inside of the mouth, nose and throat. The cancer can occur inside the sinuses, nose, mouth and salivary glands down through the throat. Although these cancers are different, they are treated similarly, so are considered as a group.

SYMPTOMS
Symptoms depend on the site of the cancer, however, you may have one or more of the following symptoms:

• pain
• swelling
• a hoarse voice
• a sore throat that doesn’t get better
• coughing all the time
• difficulties swallowing
• bad breath
• unexplained weight loss.

TREATMENT
Head and neck cancer may be treated in different ways, depending on the type, location and stage of the cancer, your general health and what is important to you. The key treatments for head and neck cancers are surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy, which may be done alone or in combination. Treatment will be tailored to your situation. 

Each cancer case should be managed by a multidisciplinary Head and Neck Cancer treatment team who are extensively trained in the management of this complex disease. Dr Kirstin Miteff is a member of the Hunter New England Head and Neck Cancer MDT. 

Complex head and neck surgery may require parotidectomy, neck dissection or free flap surgery. 

PAROTIDECTOMY
A parotidectomy is the surgical excision (removal) of the parotid gland, the major and largest of the salivary glands.

NECK DISSECTION
A neck dissection is a procedure where the lymph nodes in the neck and some of the surrounding structures (including muscle) are removed.

FREE FLAP SURGERY

This procedure involves taking tissue from one part of your body and transplanting it to the affected area. The tissue may be muscle, bone, skin, nerves or a combination. For surgery to be a success, blood vessels (artery and vein) must be connected to establish a new blood supply to the transplanted flaps so that they can survive.

Dr Kirstin Miteff may require a CT and/or PT scan or ultrasound of your neck to see the area better.

The surgery is performed at the following hospitals: 

Private Hospitals

• Lingard Private Hospital
• Warners Bay Private Hospital

Public Hospitals

• Calvary Mater Hospital
• John Hunter Hospital
• Belmont District Hospital

If you choose to have your surgery at a Private Hospital we will provide you with a quotation on the day of your consultation. Should you choose to have surgery in a Public Hospital you will not be charged a surgery fee, however, you will go on a waitlist for surgery.

MEDICARE

Major Head and Neck Cancer is considered a medical condition and as such, there are Medicare and private health fund rebates available to patients. Dr Kirstin Miteff will let you know if you meet this criteria in your consultation.