Facial swelling
Facial swelling is common after surgery. It normally takes a week ar so to go down. The amount of swelling is variable and depends on how much surgery is required. It is worse if you are unfortunate enough to develop a wound infection or have radiotherapy. This is because the small drainage channels (lymph) also get blocked (Lymphoedema). In this situation the swelling is often worse first thing in the morning and goes down somewhat as you stand and move around. Although it can take time it is usual for lymphoedema to settle by one year. There are lymphoedema services so if in doubt please ask.
How will cancer affect my life?
We have compiled over 800 individual questionnaires completed by our patients over the last 10 years to allow users to perform a customisable search to help predict what their quality of life might be like after surgery / radiotherapy. Use the link below to access this part of our site.
Patient Audio Stories
Some of our previous patients have kindly provided audio storeis. these give fantastic insights into their own personal struggle with head and neck cancer and we hope that you will find them inspiring.
