Head & Neck

We use the latest medical technology and proven innovative techniques to enhance patient outcomes for head, neck and jaw treatment.

Surgeons at OS Clinic specialise in precision-based surgical methods, including MOHs surgery for skin cancers, which minimises tissue loss while completely removing any cancer. We also diagnose and treat cancers of the oral cavity, including carrying out complex surgeries such as microsurgical facial reconstruction and free flap surgery.

Led by Mr Luke Cascarini, a highly experienced consultant in oral and maxillofacial surgery, our multidisciplinary team at OS Clinic manages routine and complex temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems. Mr Cascarini is one of the leading consultants in the UK who offers Level III arthroscopy, a minimally invasive procedure to relieve jaw pain and improve joint function.

Our patient-centred approach ensures you receive personalised care when you need it most.

We can offer same-day appointments, and our support team is available to answer queries.

Linking the lower jaw to the base of the skull at the ears, the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is made up of a lower jaw ball and skull base socket. Muscular movement facilitates the rotation and sliding of these joints which in turn allows the lower jaw to move vertically, laterally, backwards and forwards. Activities such as swallowing, talking, chewing and even yawning are all dependent on the TMJ function. If components of the TMJ are not functioning as they should, temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) can result.

Pain in the jaw muscle and problems with normal jaw functions, are the commonest reasons for temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD). These conditions will usually only need non-invasive treatment.

The bone that forms the lower part of the skull Is called the mandible or lower jaw and together with the upper jaw (maxilla), makes up the structure of the mouth. It is movement of the lower jaw that opens and closes the mouth and enables mastication, aided by the bottom teeth sited in the lower jaw.

The lower jaw is controlled by four muscles: the masseter, the temporalis, the medial pterygoid, and the lateral pterygoid. These muscles come in pairs, with one of each located on either side of the skull and combine to allow the lower jaw to move from side to side and up and down.

The lower jawbone can suffer minor or severe fractures, with the latter leading to the jaw having to be wired closed to prevent movement while it heals. Tendinitis, infections arising from tooth decay or other tooth-related disorders, and temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJD), which causes painful swelling where the mandible meets the cheekbone, are other issues that can affect the lower jaw.

In most cases, head and neck cancers develop in the squamous cells that line the mucosal surfaces of areas like the inside of your mouth, throat and voice box. Less commonly, head and neck cancers can also arise in your salivary glands, sinuses, muscles, and nerves in your head and neck.

Head and neck structures and organs that can be affected by cancer include:

Oral cavity – your lips, the front two-thirds of your tongue, your gums, the lining inside your cheeks and lips, the floor of your mouth beneath your tongue, your hard palate and the area of the gum behind your wisdom teeth.

Throat (pharynx) – a tube that runs from behind your nose and down into your oesophagus (gullet). It is made up of three sections:

● The nasopharynx (upper part of the pharynx, behind the nose)
● The oropharynx (middle part of the pharynx, including the soft palate, the base of the tongue and the tonsils)
● The hypopharynx (the lower part of the pharynx)

Voice box (larynx) – contains the vocal cords and is in your neck, above the opening of the trachea (windpipe). It is made up of three parts:

● The supraglottis, just above your vocal cords, which contains the epiglottis
● The glottis, which contains your vocal cords
● The subglottis, located below your vocal cords

Paranasal sinuses and nasal cavity – small air-filled spaces in the bones that connect to your nasal cavity, which is the hollow space inside your nose. The different sinuses are:

● Maxillary sinuses (below the eyes on either side of your nose)
● Frontal sinuses (above your inner eye and eyebrow area)
● Sphenoid sinuses (deep behind your nose, between your eyes)
● Ethmoid sinuses (above your nose, between your eyes)

Salivary glands – the salivary glands produce saliva to keep your mouth and throat moist and help with digestion. There are two main types of salivary glands: major and minor. The major salivary glands include the parotid, submandibular and sublingual glands. The minor salivary glands are within the mucous membranes found in your inner lips, under your tongue, in the roof of your mouth and inside your cheeks, nose, sinuses and voice box.