We specialise in the treatment of head and neck cancer and base of the skull surgery.
Key points
- We are also known as Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT)
- We provide multidisciplinary outpatient and inpatient care
- Specialists in treatment of head and neck cancer and base of skull surgery
What we do
The Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery service forms an integral part of the Head and Neck Oncology Unit and works closely with the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery services.
We hold a weekly specialist consultant clinic and a weekly registrar clinic. Head and neck oncology patients are seen in a weekly multidisciplinary specialist clinic.
Our clinics
| Clinic name | Location | Options |
|---|---|---|
| Ear Nose & Throat (ENT) Clinic | The RMH Parkville | |
| Ear Nose & Throat Post Surgery Clinic | The RMH Parkville | |
| Ear Nose & Throat Skull base Clinic | The RMH Parkville | |
| Ear Nose & Throat Voice Discord Clinic | The RMH Parkville | Medicare |
Our clinics
Referrals
We accept GP and specialist referrals:
- Use the RMH referral form or a template from your own system
- Complete and fax your referral to Specialist Clinics (Outpatients) on (03) 9342 4234
We do not accept email referrals.
What to include in your referral
As outlined by the Department of Health, referral requests should include:
- Patient demographic information
- Referrer demographic information
- Reason for referral
- Presenting problem
- Service(s) requested
- Required referral information specified by statewide or local referral criteria
- Current patient management
- Impact of the problem on the patient
- Name of the consultant and provider number (for Medicare clinics)
- Investigation reports related to the referral
Urgent and after-hours support
Referrals are triaged based on priority. In an emergency, patients can go to the Emergency & Trauma Service at any time.
For advice, urgent referrals and out of hours support, call The RMH Switchboard on (03) 9342 7000 to page our registrar on call.
Urgent referrals for the head and neck tumour stream can be faxed to the service:
- For suspected head and neck cancer, refer to head and neck specialist with expertise in these cancers who is affiliated with a multidisciplinary team
- For suspected larynx or pharynx cancer, refer to an ENT/head and neck surgeon for investigation
- For investigation of suspected oral cancer, refer to an ENT/head and neck surgeon or oral and maxillofacial surgeon
All other Outpatient clinic referrals are triaged
The symptoms listed below warrant prompt referral to a specialist, highlighting the concern that there may be a cancer.
Referrals for suspected head and neck cancers should contain appropriate documentation as outlined in Referrals above and include:
- Results of all prior relevant investigations
- Any prior imaging, particularly a hard copy or CD of previous chest x-rays and computed tomography (CT) scans where online access is not available (lack of a hard copy should not delay referral)
Statewide referral criteria for clinicians strengthens referrals to specialised services in public hospitals and improves access to non-admitted services. You can browse or search by specialty or medical condition.
HealthPathways Melbourne provides guidance on best practice assessment and management of common medical conditions, including when and where to refer patients.
Parkville Connect is a secure web-based portal providing GPs, specialists and other health professionals with information in the Parkville electronic medical record (EMR).
Additional referral information
Signs and symptoms
The following symptoms should be investigated if they persist for more than three weeks, especially if there is more than one symptom:
- Hoarseness
- Difficulty swallowing
- Persistent sore throat (particularly together with earache)
- Unexplained neck or parotid lump
- Mouth ulcer or mass
- Leukoplakia (white or red patches) of oral mucosa
- Unexplained tooth mobility and/or non-healing dental extraction site
- Altered speech
- Spitting or coughing up blood (coughing up blood from the chest requires a respiratory physician referral)
- Unilateral blockage of the nose or ear
Most of these problems have non-malignant causes but require further assessment. The presence of multiple signs and symptoms, particularly in combination with other underlying risk factors, can indicate an increased risk of head and neck cancer.
Assessments by primary medical practitioner or dental practitioner
If there is suspicion of malignancy or a neck lump persists or grows (including thyroid, salivary gland or lymph node), organise an ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration cytology (USgFNAC) of a node.
Non-fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsies should not be carried out in a non-specialist setting
Need to change or cancel your appointment?
Do one of the following:
- Access Health Hub to change the appointment yourself
- Complete our online form and we'll change it for you
- Call Specialist Clinics (Outpatients) on (03) 9342 7393 and we'll help you over the phone
What to bring
Every time you come
Every time you come in for a test, day procedure, surgery or treatment, you should bring:
- Medicare card
- Health Care card (if you have one)
- Concession card (if you have one)
- Adverse drug alert card (if you have one)
- Medications you are currently taking, including any that you have bought without a prescription
- X-ray films, scans, ultrasounds or any other test results you have which are related to your procedure
- Private health insurance card (if you want to use it)
- Aids (glasses, hearing aid, walking frame)
For a clinic appointment
If you come for a clinic appointment, you should also bring:
- Your appointment letter
- Any special items listed on your letter
- Your appointment book (if relevant)
- TAC or WorkCover claim number
For an overnight or longer stay
If you come for an overnight (or longer stay), you should also bring:
- A dressing gown and slippers, or comfortable day clothes and shoes
- Your toiletries
- Your iPad or tablet and phone, provided you are happy to take responsibility for them
Do not bring (for overnight or longer stay)
And if you're staying overnight or longer, do not bring:
- Your handbag, wallet, purse or large amounts of cash. Just bring a small amount for items such as newspapers, magazines or coffee
- Valuables, such as jewellery, watches or other items of value to you
Interpreters and cultural support
We provide qualified, professional interpreters to help you communicate with us at any time during your stay and at your clinic appointments.
- Μάθετε περισότερα γιά διερμηνείς & υποστήριξη κουλτούρας
- Scopri di più sugli interpreti e sul supporto culturale
- Tercümanlar ve kültürel destek hakkında daha fazla bilgi edinmek için
- Tìm hiểu thêm về thông dịch viên và hỗ trợ văn hóa
- 找出更多翻译与文化支持的信息
- لمزيدٍ من المعلومات عن خدمة الترجمة الشفهية والخدمات الثقافية
Level 2 North
300 Grattan St, Parkville, Victoria
Level 3 East
300 Grattan St, Parkville, Victoria