Head and neck
Our Oral and Maxillofacial surgeons (OMFS) specialise in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the mouth, jaws, face and neck.
We work closely with our Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) surgeons to look after adults and children with conditions affecting the head and neck.
This includes different types of cancer but also benign (non-cancerous) conditions.
More on what we do
There are more than 30 areas within the head and neck where cancer can develop, including the:
- mouth, lips, cheeks and tongue
- upper and lower jaw
- neck
- voice box (larynx)
- throat (pharynx)
- salivary glands
- nose and sinuses
- area at the back of the nose and mouth (nasopharynx)
We also see and treat people with facial skin lesions, including skin cancer.
Most cancers of the head and neck do not include the brain.
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 meeting (MDT).
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.
Treatments
Surgery and procedures to treat head and neck disorders, include:
- surgical removal of the tumour
- neck dissection to remove lymph glands in the neck
- reconstruction of surgical defect
- dental implant placement to rehabilitate patients
Our team
Mr Andrew McLennan, Consultant OMF & Head & Neck Surgeon
Mr John Bowden, Consultant OMF & Head & Neck Surgeon
Where to find us
RD&E Wonford, Barrack Rd, Exeter EX2 5DW
Area J, Level 1
Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
Patient leaflets and documents
Helpful websites
Clinics
A Joint Head and Neck Cancer Clinic is held every Monday afternoon in the department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery.