About Head and Neck Cancer

For more information

First steps – diagnosis to treatment
Recognising head and neck cancer

Canopy Cancer Care is a leading private clinic for adult cancer patients. Our team specialises in the care of patients requiring cancer treatment. The Canopy vision is to offer New Zealanders the option of world-class cancer care, delivered locally, right here in New Zealand. Every day and with every patient we work towards this goal. The Canopy team has been providing an international standard of care since 2010. During this time we have built a strong team who are all passionate about our patients and the outcomes that matter to them most.

Epsom, Auckland

Epsom

Takapuna, Auckland

North Shore

Tauranga, Bay of Plenty

Tauranga

Whangarei, Northland

Whangarei

Hastings, Hawke's Bay

Hawke's Bay

Rotorua, Bay of Plenty

Rotorua & Taupo

What is head and neck cancer?

Head and neck cancer is a range of cancers that start in the head and neck of the body. This region includes the mouth, nose, tongue, palate, jaw, throat (pharynx), larynx, tonsils, sinuses, salivary glands or thyroid.

The most common head and neck cancer is basal cell cancer of the skin. Squamous cell cancer and malignant melanoma, also occur on the skin of the face and neck. Many squamous cell cancers occur on the lower lip and ear.

Incidence and Survival rates

In New Zealand there are approximately 520 new cases of head and neck cancer registered annually. (Ministry of Health 2013)

The 5-year survival rate is approximately 60%.

Signs and symptoms

A lump in your neck
Change or hoarseness in your voice including dysarthria
A growth in your mouth
Dysphagia and Odynophagia
Changes in your skin
Otalgia

Potential risk factors

Alcohol
Smoking
Viruses – HPV especially HPV16. Exposure to EBV

Other risk factors

Older age
Male
Family history
Chemical exposure at work
Lowered immunity
Sun exposure

Treatment

Surgery
Radiotherapy
Chemotherapy or a combination of above
Targeted therapies eg: Cetuximab
Immunotherapy eg: Pembrolizumab

More information

Find more information on head and neck cancer

Canopy Cancer Care head and neck tumour team

The Canopy head and neck cancer team is made up of internationally regarded medical oncologists Dr Laird Cameron and Osama Salih. Their overseas training has provided them with cutting edge experience in head and neck cancer in the fields of research, education and patient care.

Drs Richard North and Michelle Head also have a special interest in this field supporting patients in the Bay of Plenty region.

The specialist head and neck cancer nurse is Karen Nolan who brings a wealth of experience to the role.

If you have an adult or young adult patient with a head and neck cancer seeking treatment options and symptom management, please contact Canopy Cancer Care with a referral to the head and neck cancer team.

Canopy specialises in the care of patients requiring cancer treatment with chemotherapy, immunotherapy, antibody therapy, hormone therapy and more targeted therapies.