CT LOWER NECK & THORAX

A CT Scan of the Neck and Thorax is a powerful, non-invasive diagnostic imaging test that provides your doctor with an incredibly detailed view of the structures within your lower neck and upper chest. At Cadabams Diagnostics, we use state-of-the-art technology to perform this scan, which creates clear, cross-sectional images essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning. This advanced procedure offers significantly more detail than a standard X-ray, allowing our expert radiologists to examine your bones, soft tissues, and blood vessels with exceptional clarity.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the CT scan of the neck and thorax, from its purpose and procedure to how you can prepare for your appointment at Cadabams Diagnostics.

What is a CT Scan of Neck and Thorax?

A Computed Tomography (CT or CAT) scan combines specialized X-ray equipment with sophisticated computers to produce multiple images or "slices" of the inside of your body. For a CT scan of the neck and thorax, the scanner rotates around your upper body in a spiral path. It captures a series of X-ray images from hundreds of different angles.

A powerful computer then processes these images and digitally stitches them together to create detailed 2D cross-sections and even 3D reconstructions of the area. This allows our radiologists to see the intricate anatomy of your neck and upper chest—including the airway, lymph nodes, major blood vessels, upper lungs, and bones—without making a single incision.

Types of CT Scan of Neck and Thorax

Depending on the clinical question your doctor wants to answer, your scan may be performed with or without a special contrast material.

Without Contrast

This is a standard scan that is excellent for visualizing bone structures, such as the cervical spine or ribs, and for detecting calcifications or fresh bleeding. It provides a clear baseline image of the anatomy.

CT scan of neck and chest with contrast

For this type of scan, a contrast agent, usually iodine-based, is injected into a vein in your arm. This material travels through your bloodstream and temporarily highlights blood vessels and certain soft tissues. A CT scan of the neck and chest with contrast is exceptionally useful for:

• Making tumors and abscesses more visible.
• Identifying areas of inflammation or infection.
• Evaluating blood vessels for blockages, aneurysms, or other abnormalities.

During the analysis of your scan, our board-certified radiologists meticulously examine numerous anatomical structures and regions. This detailed review is what helps them provide your doctor with a precise diagnosis. Key parameters include:

• Airway Evaluation: Detailed assessment of the larynx (voice box) and trachea (windpipe) for any narrowing, masses, or abnormalities that could cause breathing or voice issues.
• Lymph Node Assessment: Carefully checking the size, shape, and characteristics of lymph nodes in the neck and chest to look for signs of infection, inflammation, or metastasis (cancer spread).
• Vascular Analysis: Examination of major blood vessels, including the carotid arteries, subclavian vessels, and the aortic arch, for blockages, aneurysms, or dissections.
• Thoracic Inlet Evaluation: A crucial part of the scan is the CT scan thoracic inlet review. This narrow space at the top of the chest is checked for any compression of nerves or blood vessels (Thoracic Outlet Syndrome) or the presence of masses like Pancoast tumors.
• Superior Mediastinum Evaluation: A dedicated CT scan for superior mediastinum evaluation is performed to assess the organs in the upper chest, including the thymus gland, the top of the aorta, the esophagus, and lymph nodes.
• Lung Apices Review: The very top portions of the lungs are visible on this scan and are checked for nodules, inflammation, or early signs of lung disease.
• Bone and Soft Tissue Review: The surrounding bones (cervical spine, upper ribs, clavicles) and soft tissues of the neck are examined for fractures, arthritis, masses, or infections.

The reasons for ordering this scan are directly linked to the symptoms or conditions it can help diagnose. Your doctor may recommend it for any of the following specific reasons:

• To perform a detailed evaluation of a palpable neck mass or lump.
• To investigate the underlying cause of chronic hoarseness, vocal cord paralysis, or swallowing difficulties.
• To accurately diagnose and define the extent of tumors, abscesses, or deep-seated infections in the neck and upper chest.
• To diagnose Thoracic Outlet Syndrome by visualizing compression of the brachial plexus nerves or subclavian blood vessels.
• To assess for subtle fractures or soft tissue injury after significant trauma to the region.
• For the initial staging and subsequent follow-up of cancers such as lymphoma, esophageal cancer, thyroid cancer, laryngeal cancer, and lung cancer.

When and Who Needs to Take a CT Scan of Neck and Thorax?

Your doctor may order a CT scan of the neck and thorax for a variety of reasons, typically to investigate specific symptoms, monitor a known medical condition, or plan for a medical procedure. It is a crucial diagnostic tool recommended by specialists when they need more information than other tests can provide.

Common reasons you might be referred for this scan include:

• Investigating an unexplained lump, mass, or swelling in the neck.
• Determining the cause of a persistent cough, wheezing, or shortness of breath.
• Evaluating unexplained chest pain or pressure.
• Assessing the cause of difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) or hoarseness.
• Following up on an injury or trauma to the neck, clavicle, or upper chest.
• Staging various types of cancer, assessing the extent of a tumor, and planning for radiation therapy or surgery.
• Monitoring the effectiveness of cancer treatment over time.

Benefits of Taking the Test

Choosing to have a CT scan of the neck and thorax at Cadabams Diagnostics offers several key advantages for your health journey:

• Speed and Detail: The scan is very fast and produces exceptionally detailed images, often leading to a quicker and more definitive diagnosis than other imaging methods.
• Comprehensive Diagnosis: It can simultaneously visualize bone, soft tissue, and blood vessels, allowing for the detection of a wide range of medical problems in a single session.
• Painless and Non-Invasive: The procedure itself is entirely painless. While a contrast injection involves a small needle prick, the scan itself is non-invasive.
• Guidance for Treatment: The precise images are invaluable for guiding medical decisions, planning effective surgery or radiation therapy, and monitoring treatment response. Find out more about our team of expert

Illnesses Diagnosed with CT Scan of Neck and Thorax

This versatile imaging tool is instrumental in diagnosing a wide spectrum of diseases and conditions, including:

• Cancers: Cancers originating in or spreading to the larynx, pharynx, thyroid, esophagus, and lungs. It is also critical for staging lymphoma.
• Infections and Abscesses: Deep neck infections, retropharyngeal abscesses, and mediastinitis.
• Lymphadenopathy: Determining the cause of enlarged lymph nodes, whether from infection, inflammation, or malignancy.
• Vascular Conditions: Aortic aneurysms, aortic dissections, and blockages or abnormalities in the carotid and subclavian arteries.
• Thyroid and Parathyroid Issues: Evaluating large goiters, thyroid nodules, or suspected parathyroid adenomas.
• Bony Abnormalities: Identifying fractures, degenerative changes in the cervical spine, and bone tumors.

Proper preparation is simple and helps ensure the highest quality scan.

• Diet: You may be asked to fast (no food or drink except water) for 4 to 6 hours before your appointment, especially if a CT scan of the neck and chest with contrast is planned. This reduces the risk of complications if you have a reaction to the dye. Our scheduling team will provide you with specific instructions.
• Clothing: Please wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes without any metal zippers, snaps, or buttons in the chest or neck area. You may be asked to change into a medical gown for the scan.
• Remove Metal: You must remove all metal objects, including jewelry (necklaces, earrings), piercings, eyeglasses, dentures, and hairpins, as they can interfere with the image quality.
• Information: Be prepared to discuss your medical history, current medications, and any known allergies with our technologist before the scan begins.

Pre-requisites

• A doctor's referral or prescription is required to schedule a CT scan of the neck and thorax.
• If contrast material is anticipated, your doctor may ask you to have a recent blood test to check your kidney function (e.g., Creatinine/eGFR). Please bring these results with you.

Best Time to Take the CT Scan of Neck and Thorax

This test is performed by appointment. The time of day you have your scan has no impact on the quality or accuracy of the results. You can schedule your appointment at a time that is most convenient for you.

Eligibility

Most people are eligible for a CT scan. However, it is crucial to provide our team with your complete medical history. Please be sure to inform your doctor and the technologist if:

• You are, or think you could be, pregnant.
• You are breastfeeding.
• You have had a previous allergic reaction to iodine or CT contrast dye.
• You have any history of kidney disease, kidney failure, or diabetes (especially if you take Metformin).
• You have severe allergies or asthma.

Procedure for Taking a CT Scan of Neck and Thorax

At Cadabams Diagnostics, we prioritize your comfort and safety. Here is a step-by-step overview of what to expect:

1. Check-In: You will check in at the reception desk, where we will confirm your details and appointment. If a contrast scan is needed, a skilled nurse or technologist will place a small IV line into a vein in your hand or arm.
2. Positioning: You will be guided to the CT room and asked to lie down on your back on a motorized examination table. The table will be adjusted to the correct position.
3. Scanning: The technologist will move to an adjacent control room, where they can see, hear, and speak to you through an intercom system at all times. The table will then begin to move slowly through the gantry (the large, doughnut-shaped part of the scanner).
4. Holding Your Breath: As the scanner captures images, the technologist will instruct you to hold your breath for short periods (usually 5-15 seconds at a time). It is very important to remain as still as possible during this time.
5. Contrast Injection (If Applicable): If you are having a scan with contrast, the dye will be injected through your IV partway through the scan. It is normal to feel a warm sensation spreading through your body and possibly a metallic taste in your mouth. These feelings are temporary and pass quickly.
6. Duration: The entire procedure, from check-in to completion, typically takes about 15 to 30 minutes. The actual scanning time is much shorter.

Caution Before Taking the Test

Your safety is our top priority. For the best and safest outcome, it is absolutely crucial that you inform the technologist before the scan begins if you have:

• Any metal implants in your body, such as a pacemaker, defibrillator, cochlear implant, aneurysm clips, or medication pump.
• A history of severe kidney disease or renal failure.
• A known allergy to iodine.
• Severe asthma.
• Are taking Metformin for diabetes.