HEAD & NECK
I have a neck lump, swallowing difficulty, or an ulcer that isn’t healing.
These symptoms do not automatically mean cancer, but persistent or concerning findings deserve appropriate assessment.
Neck mass · persistent oral lesion · dysphagia · head & neck cancer concern
Assessment begins with history and examination. Endoscopy, imaging, cytology or biopsy may be considered according to the clinical finding.
If a tumour is diagnosed, the deeper pathway can include head & neck oncosurgery, reconstruction/rehabilitation, multidisciplinary planning and surveillance as appropriate.
PATIENT GUIDE
When should a mouth ulcer or neck lump be assessed?
Many mouth ulcers and neck swellings have non-cancerous causes. A lesion that persists, a neck lump that does not settle, progressive swallowing difficulty or another concerning change deserves clinical assessment rather than diagnosis from symptoms alone.
Start with your symptomClinical assessment adds contextTests only when indicatedTreatment follows the finding
UNDERSTAND