Our Head and Neck Centre is one of only three in the region and one of the biggest in the country. We look after people with cancer and with other conditions of the head and neck.
Click here to find out more about head and neck cancer. Our cancer information hub explains the types of head and neck cancer we treat and what to expect.
We also look after other things that are not cancer. Our experts can also help if you have problems:
- when you swallow
- with your saliva glands
- with your voice box
- with your thyroid and hormone glands
- with a lump or cyst.
We might find that you need an operation. Our team works closely with our ENT and OMFS surgeons.
Key parts of our service
The main types of operations in the head and neck area are.
- ENT (ear, nose and throat) surgery – treatment of the ears, nose, sinuses, throat, and voice box.
- Head and neck cancer surgery – removal of cancers in the mouth, throat, neck, or voice box. This includes skin cancer.
- Saliva gland surgery – surgery on the gland in the neck that make saliva.
- Thyroid surgery – surgery on glands in the neck that control our hormones.
- Oral and maxillofacial (OMFS) surgery – surgery on the mouth, teeth, gums, and jaw. This includes reconstructing things after an injury or cancer treatment.
Our SALT therapists are a key part of the Head and Neck Centre team. They will work with you to help overcome any challenges when you talk or when you eat or drink. Click here to read more about our SALT team and how they can help you.
Finding out you have cancer and having treatment can affect all parts of your life. We will support you and your family to cope and adjust. Click here to read more about our psychology team and how they can help you.
How do I access the service?
To access this service, you will need to go through your GP first. They will refer you to us if they think you need our expert help.
Sometimes we see patients from ED if they have a severe problem with their head or neck.
When we first see you, we will do a physical examination. We will also talk to you about the reasons you are here and what you hope to get out of any treatment. We may also need to do an X-ray or other tests. This will help us decide if surgery is best for you. We will talk to you about your options in detail and agree on a treatment plan.
Who will look after me?
A specialist team will look after you. As well as our surgeons, there are lots of other experts who will be involved in your care. Our Head and Neck Centre brings together lots of experts. This includes:
- Physios and speech and language therapists. They will help you learn to talk, swallow and be able to move again after any surgery.
- Psychologists who can help if you need support with your emotional needs. You might need to talk things through and that is fine.
- Clinical nurse specialists who are experts in head and neck care.
- Our theatre team (if you need surgery) and lots of other doctors, nurses and healthcare assistants on our ward.
- Our dieticians will give you help and advice about food. They will help you as you manage your health and support your recovery.
Where will my treatment take place?
If you do need surgery, this will take place at Sunderland Royal Hospital. You will stay on Ward C33.
Our outpatient clinics also take place in Sunderland as this is where the expert team is based. We may see you in person or talk to you over the phone or via video for your follow up care.
Click here for directions to Sunderland Royal Hospital.
Ward C33 is on C floor.
If you have an outpatient appointment, this will be in Chester Wing. This is also on C floor (Entrance 5).
If you are coming to see our clinical psychology team, this is in Chester Lodge. The team is on the 4th floor. Click here to see a site map.
For details of our other Trust locations click here.
Where can I find out more?
- Head and neck - STSFT Cancer Information Hub
- Thyroid cancer - STSFT Cancer Information Hub
- Click here for Cookbook for Head and Neck Cancer patients
If you want to join our Head and Neck Cancer support group, please email kelly.
You can also join our online patient community here. By joining you can help give feedback about our services and help us improve for the future.
- Head and neck cancer - Macmillan Cancer Support
- Head and neck cancer - Cancer Research UK
Our senior team in Head and Neck
- Divisional Director - Sheena Fish
- Associate Divisional Director - Caroline Bell
- Clinical Director – Miss Helen Cocks
- Directorate Manager – Petrina Smith
- Matron – Carolynne Hardy
