Head and neck cancer is a rare, but significantly life-changing diagnosis. Mortality is still high in advanced disease and treatment carries significant morbidity (both physical and psychological). Patients who suffer with the disease have often experienced diagnostic delay and uncertainty with harmful physical and psychological consequences. This experience can be frustrating for patients and with delay they may feel that their needs are not being met, and that they are not being taken seriously. This article aims to detail appropriate referral of patients and recent developments in the treatment and management of head and neck cancer.
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