Head & Neck Conditions

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Head and Neck conditions are a major part of our workload in both the Hampshire Clinic and the Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospitals. Some conditions are annoying and affect the quality of life but some are very serious and need urgent assessment and treatment to get the best possible outcomes.

Mr Spraggs is Lead for Head and Neck surgery at the Hampshire Hospitals NHS FT and is a core member of the Head and Neck Cancer team, the Thyroid Cancer team and the Skin Cancer team in the regional Cancer Network. Patients with cancer are discussed at the Regional Multidisciplinary team meetings and a package of care devised with colleagues from Radiotherapy and Oncology when required.

At the Hampshire Clinic we can assess and treat:

Neck Lumps

Neck lumps are common in children and are very rarely due to any serious condition. In adults however they can be the first sign of serious underlying conditions and need urgent assessment.

Swallowing Difficulties

Swallowing problems can transient and self limiting may include infections, acid reflux, and ‘globus’. Obstructions in the oesophagus such a narrowing or pharyngeal pouch may cause difficulty in swallowing or regurgitation.

Salivary Gland Disorders

The Parotid salivary gland lies just in front of the ear and the submandibular salivary glands lies under the mandible. The glands produce salivary when we eat. Most lumps in the salivary gland are benign.

A Feeling of a Lump in the Throat

The feeling of a lump in the throat or a ‘Globus’ sensation is a common complaint. The cause is not fully known but is usually not serious. The symptom is more worrying in smokers and when associated with earache.

Chronic Cough

Chronic cough and throat clearing can be due to diseases of the Throat, especially when they are not associated with lung diseases. Often patients will have had assessments of the chest and treatments including antibiotics and inhalers with no improvement.

Head and Neck Cancer

Mr Spraggs is Head and Neck cancer lead in the Hampshire Hospitals NHS trust.

Symptoms of concern that may be the first symptoms or signs of Head and Neck cancer include.

Facial Skin Cancers

The most common head and neck cancer is basal cell cancer of the skin. Fortunately, this is rarely a major problem if treated early. Basal cell cancers appear most often onsun-exposed areas like the forehead, face, and ears, although they can occur almost anywhere on the skin.

Sore Throats

Sore throats can be due to viruses and pharyngitis, but also tonsillitis and glandular fever and are usually treated by the GP. Recurrent tonsillitis can be debilitating and can result in a lot of time away from school or work.