Head and neck cancer treatment near Sydney

Head and neck cancer can include any part of the face, nose, mouth or throat, but does not typically include the brain.

A person with a suspected or diagnosed head and neck cancer should:

  • have their care overseen by a specialist who is a member of a multidisciplinary cancer care team
  • attend their first specialist appointment within two weeks of being referred by the general practitioner (GP)

There are a number of recommended hospitals for complex head and neck cancer surgery. Ideally, people with head and neck cancer should be referred to a specialist at one of these hospitals.

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Who to see

The diagnosis and treatment of head and neck cancer involves a team of specialists. The usual specialist for initial referral is a head and neck surgeon; ear, nose and throat surgeon, or oral and maxillofacial surgeon; depending upon where on the head and neck the cancer is.

A referral from a general practitioner (GP) is required for an appointment.

Where to have treatment

Treatment for head and neck cancer may include surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Many people with head and neck cancer have a combination of these treatments.

Recommended hospitals for complex head and neck cancer surgery

Hospitals that have a specialist head and neck cancer centre are listed below.  Find out why these hospitals are recommended. Results are ordered by distance from Sydney NSW.

Other treatment centres

Results are ordered by distance from Sydney NSW.

Find a cancer care team

All people with head and neck cancer in NSW should have their treatment overseen by a multidisciplinary cancer care team (MDT).

A multidisciplinary cancer care team is a group of health care professionals who work together to ensure that a patient receives the best care and outcomes. 

Children and youth services

There are services that provide specialised treatment and support to children and young people with cancer.

Tests and timeframes

National optimal care pathways have been developed to guide recommended care at each stage of the cancer pathway.

Initial tests may be arranged by the general practitioner (GP) and may include an ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration cytology of a node.

  • Initial tests should be performed if symptoms continue for more than three weeks.
  • The specialist consultation should take place within two weeks of the initial GP referral.
  • Initial treatment should commence within four weeks after the decision to treat.

More information about the head and neck cancer care pathway is available in these fact sheets:

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