Who is a Head & Neck Surgeon?
A Head & Neck Surgeon is a doctor who specialises in treating problems affecting the head and neck area — including the throat, mouth, nose, ears, thyroid gland, salivary glands, and the skin and bones of the face and neck. They perform surgery to remove tumours, treat infections, correct structural problems, and manage conditions that affect breathing, swallowing, or speaking. If you have a lump in your neck, a growth in your mouth or throat, or a problem with your thyroid, a Head & Neck Surgeon is the right specialist to see.
Duties and Responsibilities of a Head & Neck Surgeon
When to See a Head & Neck Surgeon
You should consider booking an consultation if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms or conditions:
- A lump or swelling in the neck that has been there for more than two weeks
- A sore or ulcer in the mouth that is not healing after three weeks
- Difficulty swallowing or a feeling that food is getting stuck in the throat
- A hoarse or changed voice lasting more than three weeks
- A swollen or enlarged thyroid gland (goitre) in the neck
- Unexplained weight loss together with a lump in the neck
- Persistent pain in the ear without any ear infection
- Bleeding from the mouth or throat with no clear cause
- A skin growth or sore on the face, scalp, or neck that is changing in size or colour
- Difficulty breathing or noisy breathing that is getting worse
Conditions Treated
Common conditions that a Head & Neck Surgeon can diagnose, manage, or treat:
Headache
Also known as: cephalgia, dolor capitis, ha, head ache, head pain
Types of Head & Neck Surgeon Specialists
Head & Neck Oncology
Focuses on diagnosing and surgically treating cancers of the mouth, throat, voice box, thyroid, and other structures in the head and neck.
Thyroid & Parathyroid Surgery
Specialises in removing thyroid nodules, goitres, and overactive or cancerous thyroid and parathyroid glands.
Salivary Gland Surgery
Treats blockages, stones, infections, and tumours affecting the glands that produce saliva.
Reconstructive Head & Neck Surgery
Rebuilds and restores the appearance and function of the face, jaw, and neck after cancer surgery or trauma.
Skull Base Surgery
Treats complex tumours and conditions at the base of the skull, often working alongside neurosurgeons.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
At your first visit, the Head & Neck Surgeon will ask you about your symptoms, how long you have had them, and your general health history. They will carefully examine your neck, mouth, and throat — this is usually quick and painless — and may use a small camera to look inside your throat or nose. Depending on what they find, they may request a scan (such as an ultrasound or CT scan) or a biopsy to get a clearer picture before recommending any treatment.
Training & Education Credentials
A Head & Neck Surgeon completes a medical degree followed by several years of surgical residency training, then undertakes a specialist fellowship in head and neck surgery. In Ghana and West Africa, they are typically certified by the West African College of Surgeons (WACS) or the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Head & Neck Surgeon consultation cost in Ghana?
Consultation fees vary depending on whether you visit a public hospital or a private clinic. At public teaching hospitals, fees are generally lower and may be partly covered by the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). Private specialist consultations typically cost more, so it is a good idea to call ahead and ask about fees before your appointment.
What should I bring to my first appointment?
Bring your NHIS card, any previous medical reports, scan results, or letters from other doctors. If you have already had blood tests or an ultrasound done, bring those results along. A list of any medicines you are currently taking will also be very helpful for the surgeon.
How do I prepare for my appointment?
No special preparation is usually needed for a first consultation. Wear comfortable clothing that makes it easy for the doctor to examine your neck. Be ready to describe your symptoms clearly — when they started, whether they are getting worse, and any other changes you have noticed in your body.
When should I go to the emergency room instead of waiting for an appointment?
Go to the emergency room immediately if you are having serious difficulty breathing, if a lump in your neck is growing very rapidly, or if you are coughing or vomiting blood. These are warning signs that need urgent attention and should not wait for a scheduled appointment.
Does every lump in the neck mean cancer?
No — most lumps in the neck are caused by swollen lymph nodes from a common infection such as a throat infection or cold, and they usually go away on their own. However, a lump that stays for more than two weeks, is painless, or is getting bigger should always be checked by a doctor to rule out anything serious.
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