Medical Qualifications

Mr Francis Vaz trained at Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospitals Medical School, London. He undertook higher ENT training in the South Thames region. He was awarded two travelling fellowships from the Royal College of Surgeons of England and the British Association of Head and Neck Oncologists. Through this he visited institutions around the world to gain experience in international techniques. To complete his training, Mr Vaz undertook the prestigious Head and Neck Cancer Fellowship/Clinical Lecturer post at The Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane, Australia.

Medical Experience 

Mr Vaz continues to combine his surgical expertise with his commitment to higher surgical training and education and is an educational supervisor to trainees. He teaches on a number of ENT courses in specialist areas related to Head and Neck Surgery and Voice; Mr Vaz is also an Examiner for the Royal College of Surgeons of England.

Mr Vaz treats general ENT conditions and has a specialist interest in in Head and Neck Surgery including parotid, thyroid, laryngeal, oropharyngeal, oral surgery and trans-oral laser surgery.

Mr Vaz is a Consultant ENT and Head and Neck Surgeon at University College London Hospital (UCLH) and the Harley Street Clinic, London. He offers a Rapid Access Neck Lump Clinic at the Harley Street Clinic which offers a first class ENT and Head and Neck Service.

In practice at

The University College London Hospital
NHS
The Harley Street Clinic
Private

Specialisms

Languages spoken:

English

Articles written by Mr Francis Vaz

Neck lump FAQs

Neck lumps can be categorised in a number of ways. One of these is based on whether they are benign (not dangerous) or malignant. Benign neck lumps are far more common than malignant ones that are usually associated with cancer. The diagnosis of whether a lump in the neck is benign or malignant will be based on medical history, medical examination and special investigations performed on the neck lump. Benign neck lumps can have many causes. The malignant form may originate from lymph nodes and therefore may be as a result of lymphoma or may be secondary to a cancer of the throat. Malignant tumours also arise from the salivary glands.

Modern Management of Neck Lumps

Head and neck cancer affects between 8 and 15 people out of every 100,000 of the UK population, although there are considerable regional variations. There is good evidence that early detection of head and neck cancer improves the chances of surviving this disease, but unfortunately many of the initial symptoms are often very general and not just specific to cancer. One of these symptoms is a neck lump, which can be an extremely common and completely benign (not dangerous) symptom but which can also indicate the presence of head and neck cancer. As a result of this the modern day Rapid Access Neck Lump Clinic has evolved.

Causes of Neck Lumps

Neck lumps have many causes but, thankfully, the majority are benign. However, a number of benign lumps will still need to be assessed, partly to rule out the possibility of anything more sinister being behind them but also in case surveillance or surgery is required.