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A lump in the neck or neck lump is a worrying situation for any patient as they often are concerned at the possiblity of cancer. It is important to have a full history and clinical examination undertaken in relation to the neck lump. At the end of this consultation the ENT surgeon can have an idea of risk stratification as to the likelihood of this being benign such a lymph node, a thyroglossal cyst or a branchial cyst or if this is malignant representing a head and neck cancer.

It is imperative that these lumps are seen by ENT surgeons that regularly investigate them, namely with an interest in Head and Neck cancer. This will ensure that the appropriate imaging is undertaken by radiologists who are used to reading scans of the head and neck and also used to taking samples for cytology (examination of aspirates of cells from a lump).

In my clinical practice both in the NHS and privateley I am lucky to be supported by a dedicated Head and Neck radiologist and cytologist, in order to give the patient a rapid diagnosis but with a degree of certainty from clinicians who deal with this every day. It is extremely helpful to the patient with a neck lump to attend one of these rapid access Head and Neck Lump clinics as if benign the patient is reassured immediately and if malignant there is no delay in organising the appropriate investigations.

This is a huge issue in the UK with local areas being split up into cancer networks and cancer services being delivered with varying levels of expertise and allied health care support. Thankfully this is being regulated by a process called peer review.

The very best treatment for a patient is not just centered around the surgery or the radiotherapy a patient receives. These are very important but there are many more things that are offered to patients in a premier Head and Neck Cancer Centre.

In our Head and Neck Cancer Centre we have excellent surgical staff experienced and trained both nationally and internationally. Our oncologists offer conventional radiotherapy and state of the art IMRT a form of radiotherapy to allow for more accuracy in complicated areas of the Head and Neck. Very importantly however we have world class radiology and cytopathology together with superb histopathology support. In addition we have nursing staff on the ward dedicated to the post operative care of Head and Neck Cancer patients, we have clinical nurse specialists supporting the patients both whilst in hospital and when they leave and we have specialised Speech and Language as well as dietietic services purely attached to the Head and Neck Service alone.

It is clear therefore that the service that can be offered to the Head and Neck Cancer patient from a holistic view point is significantly improved with this dedicated service.