Objective To systematically review body image experience of patients with head and neck cancer(HNC) and to provide healthcare professionals with foundations to develop interventions. Methods Qualitative studies on body image experience of HNC patients,published by December 2020,were searched in English and Chinese databases,including PubMed,Web of Science,Embase,Cochrane Library,PsyINFO,CINAHL,CNKI,Wanfang,VIP and CBM. The quality of included studies were evaluated by Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tool for qualitative studies. Results A total of 9 eligible studies were included. Based on the similarities of the extracted 44 findings,we concluded 7 new categories and further synthesized 3 integrated themes,including serious impact of body image change on HNC patients,various influencing factors of body image experience in HNC patients,and different coping strategies of body image issues in HNC patients. Conclusion Body image is a critical issue in HNC patients. To deal with this issue,more awareness and interventions should be given from healthcare professionals. Family supports are encouraged,with a balance with patients’ autonomy. More appropriate social and cultural attention to the body image issues in HNC patients are needed.