Head and neck

What is head and neck cancer?

Head and neck cancer arises in the mouth, jaw, throat and neck.

Our service

The head and neck team at the NSCC manages all types and stages of head and neck cancers from diagnosis, treatment and supportive care, including assessment of symptoms and side effects.

Patient cases are discussed at a multi-disciplinary team meeting (MDT) to ensure the best possible treatment recommendation is made. The head and neck team includes surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, nuclear medicine physicians, nurses, pathologists, radiologists, speech pathologists and dietitians.

Supportive care services include nutrition, social work and psychology. We receive referrals and treat patients from North Coast Cancer Care team and they attend our weekly MDT meeting online.

Multidisciplinary team (MDT) and clinics

MDT runs every Tuesday followed by a clinic at NSCC

Diseases

Salivary gland tumours
Skull base tumours
Oral cavity (mouth)
Oropharynx (tonsil, base of tongue, soft palate)
Larynx hypopharynx and cervical oesophagus
Nasal cavity and sinuses
Nasopharynx
Skin
Sarcomas of the head and neck
Unknown primary cancer of the head and neck
Paragangliomas

Head and neck cancer experts

Head and neck surgeons

Dr Leo Pang

A/Prof David Veiver

Dr Andrew Wignall

Maxillo-facial/plastic reconstructive surgeons

Dr Jeon Cha

Dr Rowan Gillies

Dr Bishoy Soliman

Radiation oncologists

Dr Sarah Bergamin

Dr Dasantha Jayamanne

Dr Mark Stevens

Medical oncologists

A/Prof Alex Guminski

Dr Adrian Lee

Oral surgeon

Dr Eric Carter

Dr Yadir Singh

Pathologists

Dr Tricia Saurine

Radiologists

Dr David Brazier

Dr Allison Newey

Head and neck cancer nurse coordinator

CNC Paula Macleod

Cancer nurse coordinators

Paula Macleod, Cancer Nurse Coordinator
I have over 30 years' experience as a registered nurse and been a cancer nurse coordinator since 2010, with a Masters in Cancer Nursing, Foundation in Clinical leadership. I'm trained as a clinical supervisor and am an active participant in speciality nursing groups promoting the role of the radiation oncology nurse.

I coordinate the care of head and neck cancer patients as an integral member of the multidisciplinary cancer team.I am passionate about providing a high standard of care to patients and ensuring best outcomes through research.