CT NECK & UPPER THORAX

CT Neck & Upper Thorax test is a radiology examination aimed at getting cross-sectional images of the neck and upper part of the thorax using computed tomography (CT) technology. It is frequently performed to evaluate and track numerous conditions related to the neck, throat, and upper components of the chest region. 

What is CT Neck & Upper Thorax?  

CT Neck & Upper Thorax is performed using a CT scanner that captures images of the neck and upper thoracic area. The machine revolves around the individual’s body and releases X-ray beams that go through the body. Sensors detect these rays and use them to produce images of the different organs. Generally, the scan is done along with contrast agent for better quality images. 

Types of CT Neck & Upper Thorax 

These scans use various methods to obtain CT Neck & Upper Thorax images: 

• No contrast: useful for patients that have kidney disease or have a known allergy to the contrast media. 
• With contrast: it is applied to improve the quality of the images and check for vascular defectives.  
• High-Resolution CT: used in imaging small lesions or small abnormalities. 

List of Parameters Considered During the CT Neck & Upper Thorax

Consider the following factors when performing the examination: 

• Volume and configuration of the thyroid gland. 
• Nodal and or lesion on the thyroid gland. 
• Tumorous masses or lesions found in the neck or supraclavicular region. 
• State of the oesophagus, trachea, and larynx. 
• Hypertrophic lymph node. 

Reasons for Taking a CT Neck & Upper Thorax

A CT Neck & Upper Thorax is usually given to: 

• Identify a disease or cancer of the thyroid gland.  
• Find lymphomas or other malignancies in the cervical and supraclavicular regions. 
• Identify suprahyoid or upper sternal infections or abscesses. 
• Observe how the disease develops or how the patient responds to treatment. 

When and Who Needs to Take a CT Neck & Upper Thorax? 

Most CT Neck & Upper Thorax scans are recommended for patients with any combination of the following symptoms:  

• Pain or swelling in the neck region  
• Difficulty in swallowing, speaking, or both  
• Coughing with pain in the chest region  
• Possible infections or abscesses  
• Possible tumours or cancer in the neck or thoracic region  
• Trauma or injury to the neck or upper chest region 

This test is also routinely performed for the following conditions:  

• Thyroid disorders  
• Lymphoma  
• Oesophageal cancer  
• Lung cancer 

Benefits of Taking the Test

Advantages of a CT Neck & Upper Thorax comprise of: 

• High precision in diagnosis and disease follow-up.  
• Helping identifies cancer or other pathological conditions at an early stage. 
• Making decisions regarding the treatment informed 

Illnesses Diagnosed with CT Neck & Upper Thorax

The following conditions could be diagnosed with a CT scan of the neck and upper portion of the thorax: 

• Lung Abscesses or Infections 
• Thyroid and lung cancers 
• Lymphoma Cancer 
• Oesophageal Cancer 

Preparing for CT Neck & Upper Thorax

Patients are required to: 

• Wait for at least four hours before eating. 
• Take off all metal, including jewellery. 
• Tell the technician in charge of any known allergy or medical condition. 

Pre-requisites 

To prepare for a CT scan of the neck and upper portion of the thorax, no specific pre-requisites exist. However, the patient may need to:  

• Complete a medical history questionnaire including relevant diagnostic tests 
• Be seen by a doctor for a physical examination 

Best Time to Take the CT Neck & Upper Thorax 

There are times when the CNHT can be done, but patients may schedule for morning hours to guarantee that he or she has refrained from eating in four hours and above. 

Eligibility 

The CT Neck & Thorax is advised for people exhibiting signs or having a medical issue related to the neck, throat, or upper chest region. But some patients who have specific chronic illnesses like kidney problems may have to go through other forms of testing or take certain steps beforehand prior to the CT scan.  

Procedure for Taking a CT Neck & Upper Thorax 

The normal duration for a CT Neck & Upper Thorax is approximately 15-30 minutes. The various steps taken are: 

1. Keeping the patient on the CT scanner table and explain how to remain still and hold their breath until the test is over. This is referred to as the preparation stage.  
2. The next phase involves the amputation of arms. In this phase a rotating CT scanner is centred on the patient and while scanning, X-ray beams execute and travel through the body.  
3. To better image quality, a contrast agent may be given through an intravenous injection in the arm. This refines the image quality. 
4. This complex process follows the scanning. The captured x-rays undergo processing using a special machine that enables them to form different geometric objects. 

Caution Before Taking the Test 

Patients are expected to tell the technician before the CT Neck & Thorax about  

• Any known allergies, medical worries and others. 
• Given metal implants, pacemakers and others. 
• Known pregnancy and breastfeeding.