Concierge ENT and head-and-neck imaging · London
Head and neck diagnostic clinic, one-stop rapid-access clinic for neck lumps, hoarseness and head-and-neck cancer symptoms.
A one-stop rapid-access clinic combining consultant ENT / head-and-neck examination, flexi-nasal endoscopy, ultrasound of neck lumps, FNA / core biopsy and same-day cytology. NICE 2-week-wait pathway for suspected head-and-neck cancer.
Why patients choose us
- 01
One-stop, one visit
Consultant ENT / head-and-neck examination, flexi-nasal endoscopy, ultrasound and FNA on the same visit — an answer the day you attend where possible.
- 02
MDT-linked from the first appointment
Every clinic in our network is embedded in a head-and-neck oncology MDT, so a suspected cancer moves straight into the treating team.
- 03
NICE 2-week-wait aligned
We follow the NICE NG12 suspected cancer pathway — the private route mirrors the NHS standard, not a shortcut around it.
Key facts
The head and neck diagnostic clinic at a glance.
Six essentials — what the clinic is, who runs it, what happens in one visit, and where it fits in the head-and-neck cancer pathway.
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Definition
A one-stop rapid-access clinic for head-and-neck symptoms — neck lumps, hoarseness, oral ulcers, otalgia.
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Consultant ENT examination
Full head-and-neck examination by a consultant ENT / head-and-neck surgeon.
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Flexi-nasal endoscopy
A slim flexible camera through the nose to inspect the nasopharynx, larynx and hypopharynx.
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Neck ultrasound with FNA
High-resolution ultrasound of neck lumps, with ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration where indicated.
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Same-day cytology (many centres)
Rapid on-site cytology means a preliminary answer can be given at the same visit.
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MDT-linked
Findings feed directly into a head-and-neck oncology multidisciplinary team.
The problem
A neck lump or persistent hoarseness deserves a single answer, not a chain of separate appointments.
The one-stop clinic collapses ENT examination, endoscopy, ultrasound and FNA into a single visit — with MDT-linked follow-through where cancer is suspected.
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A persistent neck lump?
One-stop assessment with ultrasound and FNA on the same visit — a working diagnosis by the end of the appointment.
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Persistent hoarseness?
Flexi-nasal endoscopy of the larynx by a consultant ENT surgeon at the same visit.
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A NICE NG12 referral?
The private route runs on the same NICE 2-week-wait standard, embedded in the head-and-neck MDT.
The pathway
From referral to MDT plan — what happens, in order.
Seven steps, most of them completed in a single visit, ending with a written MDT-aligned plan.
Phase 1 · Before
Referral in
Phase 2 · On the day
One visit — exam, endoscopy, ultrasound, FNA
Phase 3 · After
MDT plan
- 01
Before
2-week-wait referral or private booking
NICE NG12 pathway from your GP, or self-pay / insurer booking through us — usually within days.
- 02
On the day
Consultant history and full ENT exam
A detailed history and complete head-and-neck examination by a consultant ENT / head-and-neck surgeon.
- 03
On the day
Flexi-nasal endoscopy
A slim flexible endoscope inspects the nasal cavity, nasopharynx, oropharynx, larynx and hypopharynx.
- 04
On the day
Neck ultrasound of any lump
High-resolution ultrasound characterises any palpable neck lump and screens the cervical nodal chains.
- 05
On the day
Fine-needle aspiration if indicated
Ultrasound-guided FNA — and core biopsy where lymphoma is suspected — sampled at the same visit.
- 06
On the day
Rapid on-site cytology
In many centres a cytologist gives a preliminary read at the same appointment.
- 07
After
Structured MDT plan
A written plan is issued the same week and, where cancer is suspected, discussed at the head-and-neck oncology MDT.
Typical end-to-end for a suspected cancer pathway: within the NICE 2-week standard. Most benign presentations: answered in one visit.
What it shows
The diagnoses the head-and-neck clinic makes.
The full spectrum — from reactive lymphadenopathy through to head-and-neck cancer — with a same-day route into the treating team where malignancy is confirmed.
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Reactive lymphadenopathy
Benign, reactive nodes — the commonest finding in an adult neck-lump clinic.
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Metastatic squamous cell carcinoma
Nodal metastasis, most often from an oropharyngeal or laryngeal primary.
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Thyroid nodule (TIRADS)
Thyroid nodules characterised on ultrasound and stratified by TIRADS.
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Salivary gland mass
Parotid or submandibular mass — pleomorphic adenoma, Warthin’s tumour, malignancy.
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Lymphoma
Nodal or extranodal lymphoma — core biopsy required for subtyping.
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Head-and-neck cancer (oropharynx, larynx)
Squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue base, tonsil, larynx or hypopharynx.
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Branchial / thyroglossal cyst
Congenital neck cysts — characteristic ultrasound appearance.
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Red flag: SCC on cytology — same-day head-and-neck oncology MDT
A cytology diagnosis of SCC triggers immediate MDT referral and staging imaging.
Next steps
What happens after the clinic visit.
Every plan is MDT-aligned — from simple reassurance through to surgery, chemoradiotherapy and structured surveillance.
| Option | Setting | Typical duration | Turnaround |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reassurance for benign lymphadenopathy | No further action | Same visit | Same-day |
| Ultrasound-guided FNA / core biopsy | At the appointment | 20–30 min | Same-day |
| CT / MRI head and neck | Cross-sectional imaging | 30–60 min | 24–48 h |
| PET-CT for staging | Whole-body staging | Half-day | 3–5 days |
| Head-and-neck oncology MDT | Weekly MDT slot | MDT meeting | Same week |
| Surgical resection | Consultant surgeon | Theatre | Booked |
| Chemoradiotherapy | Clinical oncology | 6–7 weeks | Scheduled |
| Structured surveillance | Follow-up clinic | Serial | Ongoing |
Our vetted London network
A small panel of clinics, we picked them.
Head-and-neck clinics across central London, each embedded in a treating oncology MDT. Not listed publicly — introductions are made privately, once we understand your case.
Selection criteria
How we choose every head-and-neck clinic in our network.
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Consultant ENT / head-and-neck surgeons on the head-and-neck oncology MDT
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On-site ultrasound with FNA and core biopsy in the same visit
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Rapid on-site cytology in many centres for preliminary same-day answers
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Direct pathway into staging (CT / MRI / PET-CT) and treating oncology team
Red flags
When to be seen urgently.
Any of these warrants the NICE NG12 2-week-wait pathway — either through your GP or straight into our clinic.
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Adult unilateral neck lump > 3 weeks
A persistent, one-sided neck lump in an adult — a NICE NG12 2-week-wait trigger.
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Persistent hoarseness > 3 weeks
Voice change lasting more than three weeks warrants laryngeal inspection.
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Unilateral otalgia + normal ear exam
Referred ear pain with a normal ear on examination — think oropharynx or larynx.
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Persistent oral ulcer > 3 weeks
Any non-healing oral or tongue ulcer beyond three weeks needs urgent review.
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Odynophagia + weight loss
Painful swallowing with unintentional weight loss is a red-flag combination.
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Facial numbness or cranial nerve palsy
Any new cranial nerve deficit demands prompt cross-sectional imaging.
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Neck lump with fixed features
A lump that is hard, fixed to deep structures, or matted — high suspicion of malignancy.
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Post-tonsillectomy bleeding (surrogate)
Any bleeding from the oropharynx post-tonsillectomy — same-day ENT assessment.
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Post-radiotherapy fibrosis worsening
Progressive fibrosis, trismus or new pain after radiotherapy — assess for recurrence.
Reading your report
A head-and-neck clinic letter can look intimidating. It isn’t.
Whatever the finding, the letter keeps to the same four parts.
A quiet reminder
The letter is written for your doctor, not for you — and that’s normal.
If you would like us to talk you through it before your follow-up, just ask.
- 01 Header
Referral reason and risk factors
Your details, referral route (2-week-wait or private), and risk factors — smoking, alcohol, HPV, prior radiotherapy.
- 02 Examination
ENT and flexi-endoscopy findings
Site-by-site head-and-neck examination and endoscopic view of the nasopharynx, larynx and hypopharynx.
- 03 Imaging
Ultrasound and FNA / cytology
Ultrasound description of any neck lump (size, morphology, TIRADS where relevant) and cytology from FNA or core biopsy.
- 04 Plan
MDT-aligned next step
A clear plan — reassurance, staging imaging, MDT discussion, or direct oncology referral.
Recognised by major UK insurers
Cover depends on your policy and clinic; we confirm with your insurer before booking.
Frequently asked
Everything we get asked about the head and neck clinic.
Quick answers on the 2-week-wait pathway, flexi-nasal endoscopy, ultrasound with FNA, same-day results and red-flag symptoms.
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What is a head and neck diagnostic clinic?
A one-stop rapid-access clinic that combines consultant ENT / head-and-neck examination, flexi-nasal endoscopy, ultrasound of neck lumps, and fine-needle aspiration or core biopsy — with same-day cytology in many centres — so that most patients leave with a working diagnosis and a plan on the same visit.
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Do I need a 2-week-wait referral?
The clinic accepts NICE NG12 2-week-wait referrals for suspected head-and-neck cancer, and also private self-pay or insured bookings. Either route uses the same clinicians and pathway.
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What happens during flexi-nasal endoscopy?
A slim flexible endoscope is passed through the nose with local anaesthetic spray to inspect the nasopharynx, oropharynx, larynx and hypopharynx. It takes a few minutes, is uncomfortable rather than painful, and requires no recovery time.
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Will I get results the same day?
The consultant’s clinical assessment, endoscopy findings and ultrasound impression are given the same visit. Rapid on-site cytology gives a preliminary FNA read in many centres; the definitive cytology and formal report follow within a few days.
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When is neck ultrasound with FNA needed?
Any persistent adult neck lump, an abnormal-feeling lymph node, or a thyroid nodule warrants ultrasound. Ultrasound-guided FNA is added when the ultrasound features are indeterminate or suspicious.
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What are the red flag symptoms for head-and-neck cancer?
A unilateral neck lump lasting more than three weeks, persistent hoarseness beyond three weeks, one-sided ear pain with a normal ear exam, a non-healing oral ulcer, painful swallowing with weight loss, or any new cranial nerve deficit — all warrant urgent assessment on the NICE NG12 pathway.
Sources
- NICE. Suspected cancer: recognition and referral (NG12).
- ENT UK. Head and neck cancer guideline.
- British Association of Head and Neck Oncologists (BAHNO).
- European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO). Head and neck cancer clinical practice guidelines.
Last reviewed 2026-07-30 · Next review 2027-07-30 · 7 min read
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In practice, in London
Getting head and neck diagnostic clinic sorted in London, without the guesswork
With head and neck diagnostic clinic, the London question is usually about report turnaround and the radiologist reading it — not whether the scan is available. Waiting lists on the NHS for head and neck diagnostic clinic vary widely by borough and by how the GP letter reads. Privately in London, we can normally offer a slot inside the same week, sometimes within 48 hours if there’s a cancellation. The difference isn’t clinical quality — the consultants are frequently the same faces you’d see on the NHS — it’s the calendar.
Once you’re in the private system for head and neck diagnostic clinic, the pace picks up noticeably. Consultant slots run to time, imaging is usually available in the same building or a short walk away, and the report comes back typed and detailed. It’s the coordination that tends to feel different — one person on the other end of the phone, not a switchboard. For head and neck diagnostic clinic specifically, the difference between a routine report and a sub-speciality read is where private care earns its keep.
We’re careful about what a private pathway for head and neck diagnostic clinic can and can’t promise. It can compress a wait, put you in front of a subspecialist quickly, and get a proper report in your hands within a week. It can’t rewrite what the imaging or the bloods say. Setting that expectation up front tends to make the whole experience less stressful.