CT SCAN OF NECK

A CT (Computed Tomography) scan of the neck is a powerful and detailed, non-invasive imaging test that gives your doctor an in-depth look at the structures inside your neck. This procedure is designed to create cross-sectional images, often described as "slices," of the neck's complex anatomy. This includes the soft tissues like muscles and glands, crucial blood vessels, and the bones of the cervical spine.

At Cadabams Diagnostics, we use state-of-the-art CT technology to help your doctor accurately diagnose a wide array of conditions, ranging from traumatic injuries to infections and other diseases, ensuring you receive the most precise and timely care.

What is a CT Scan of the Neck?

A CT scan of the neck works by using a specialized, rotating X-ray machine combined with a sophisticated computer. As the machine moves around your neck, it captures a series of X-ray images from many different angles. The computer then processes this information to construct detailed, two-dimensional cross-sectional images. These images can also be reassembled to create a three-dimensional view of your neck.

This advanced technology provides far more detail than a standard X-ray, which is primarily used for viewing bones. A CT scan excels at showing not just the bones (like the vertebrae in your neck) but also the soft tissues, such as your thyroid gland, lymph nodes, muscles, and major blood vessels. While an MRI is sometimes better for visualizing very fine details of nerves and ligaments, a cervical spine CT scan is significantly faster and superior for assessing bone injuries and fractures, making it vital in emergency situations.

Types of CT Scan of Neck

Depending on what your doctor is looking for, they may order the scan with or without a special contrast material.

CT Scan without Contrast

This is a standard CT scan used primarily for evaluating bones. It is the preferred method for getting a clear view of the cervical spine CT scan to quickly identify fractures, misalignments, or degenerative changes like arthritis. It is also effective in checking for acute bleeding in the neck tissues after an injury.

CT Scan with Contrast

For this type of scan, an iodine-based contrast dye is injected into a vein, usually in your arm. This material travels through your bloodstream and helps to highlight blood vessels, organs, and other tissues. A CT scan of the neck with and without contrast comparison allows radiologists to better differentiate normal structures from abnormal ones, such as tumors, inflammation, or infections, which often appear brighter once they absorb the dye.

CT Angiography (CTA) of the Neck

This is a specialized type of CT scan with contrast that is specifically timed to capture images as the dye flows through your arteries. A CTA of the neck provides a highly detailed map of the carotid and vertebral arteries, making it an excellent tool for identifying blockages (stenosis), aneurysms, or tears (dissections).

A radiologist carefully examines multiple structures on your scan. What does a CT scan of the neck show? It provides a comprehensive evaluation of the following areas:

Cervical Spine

The alignment of the seven neck vertebrae (C1-C7) is checked, along with any signs of fracture, dislocation, or degenerative changes like arthritis or bone spurs.

Soft Tissues

The size, shape, and overall appearance of soft tissue structures are assessed, including the thyroid gland, salivary glands, tonsils, and lymph nodes. Swelling or abnormalities are noted.

Airways and Passages

The scan provides a clear view of the upper airways, including the larynx (voice box) and pharynx (throat), to check for blockages, swelling, or masses.

Blood Vessels

Major arteries (like the carotid arteries) and veins (like the jugular veins) are visualized. With contrast, the radiologist can look for narrowing, blockages, or aneurysms.

Muscles and Fat Planes

The muscles of the neck and the layers of fat between them are examined for any signs of masses, abscesses, deep infections, or other abnormalities.

Your doctor may order this test for a wide range of diagnostic purposes:

• To investigate a palpable mass or lump found during a physical exam.
• To thoroughly evaluate the neck and cervical spine for injuries after trauma.
• To diagnose, stage, or monitor the treatment of cancers in the head and neck region.
• To detect and determine the extent of deep neck infections or abscesses.
• To assess anatomical issues with the thyroid gland, such as a goiter (enlargement) or nodules.
• To evaluate the blood vessels for conditions like carotid artery stenosis, which can increase stroke risk

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

Your doctor may recommend a CT scan of the neck for several reasons. Common indications include:

• Persistent and unexplained neck pain
• The presence of a lump or mass that can be felt in the neck
• Difficulty or pain when swallowing (dysphagia)
• Evaluation after a traumatic injury, such as from a car accident or a fall
• Symptoms that suggest a deep neck infection or abscess

This test is frequently performed for various patient groups, including individuals with a known or suspected history of cancer, patients with symptoms of vascular problems like blockages in the neck arteries, trauma patients in the emergency room, or anyone with unexplained symptoms that point to an issue within the neck structures.

Benefits of Taking the Test

Choosing to have a CT scan of the neck comes with several key advantages for your diagnosis and care:

• Speed: The scanning process is incredibly fast, often taking less than a minute. This makes it the ideal imaging choice in emergency and trauma settings.
• Detail: It provides exceptional detail of bone structures and very good detail of most soft tissues, offering a clearer picture than a standard X-ray.
• Comprehensive View: A single CT scan can simultaneously show bones, soft tissues, and blood vessels, providing a complete overview of the neck’s anatomy.
• Diagnostic Accuracy: It has high accuracy for detecting a wide range of conditions, including fractures, tumors, abscesses, and vascular abnormalities, leading to more effective treatment planning.

Illnesses Diagnosed with CT scan of the Neck

A CT scan is instrumental in diagnosing numerous conditions, including:

• Cervical spine fractures or dislocations
• Thyroid cancer, nodules, and goiters
• Head and neck cancers like lymphoma or squamous cell carcinoma
• Enlarged or cancerous lymph nodes
• Salivary gland stones or tumors
• Deep neck infections and abscesses (e.g., retropharyngeal abscess)
• Carotid artery stenosis, dissection, or aneurysms (requires CTA)

Preparation is simple and depends on whether contrast material will be used.

Without Contrast

If your scan is without contrast, there is usually no special preparation needed. You can eat, drink, and take your medications as you normally would.

With Contrast

If you are scheduled for a scan with contrast, you may be asked to fast and not eat or drink anything for 2-4 hours before your appointment. This reduces the small risk of nausea.

Clothing

Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing without any metal zippers or snaps. You may be asked to change into a hospital gown to ensure no metal interferes with the images.

Metal

You must remove all metal objects from your head and neck area, including jewelry (necklaces, earrings), eyeglasses, dentures, and hearing aids.

Pre-requisites

• A doctor’s referral or prescription is required to schedule a CT scan of the neck.
• If you are having a scan with contrast, your doctor may order a simple blood test to check your kidney function (creatinine level) beforehand. Healthy kidneys are important for clearing the contrast dye from your body.

Best Time to Take the CT Scan of the Neck

A CT scan of the neck is a routine diagnostic procedure that can be scheduled during our regular operational hours at Cadabams Diagnostics. For urgent cases, such as those coming from an emergency room for trauma, the test can be performed 24/7.

Eligibility

Nearly everyone is eligible for a CT scan. However, it's essential to communicate key health information to our staff:

• Pregnancy: Please inform the technologist if you are or think you might be pregnant.
• Allergies: If your scan involves contrast, let us know if you have any known allergies, especially to iodine, contrast dye, or shellfish.
• Medical Conditions: Disclose any history of kidney disease, kidney failure, or diabetes, as this may affect your eligibility for contrast dye.

Procedure for Taking a CT Scan of the Neck

The neck CT scan procedure is straightforward and efficient. Here’s what you can expect:

• Step 1 - Check-in & Prep: You will arrive at Cadabams Diagnostics, confirm your personal details, and review a safety questionnaire. If contrast is needed, a nurse or technologist will place a small IV line into a vein in your arm or hand.
• Step 2 - Positioning: You will be asked to lie on your back on a padded, motorized table. The technologist will help position you correctly, and your head may be placed in a special cradle to help you remain comfortable and still during the scan. The table will then slide into the center of the large, doughnut-shaped CT scanner.
• Step 3 - The Scan: The scanning table will move slowly through the opening as the internal X-ray tube rotates around your neck. The machine is quiet, and the technologist will be in an adjacent control room where they can see and speak to you through an intercom. It is very important to stay as still as possible to ensure the images are clear.
• Step 4 - Contrast Injection (if applicable): If your scan requires contrast, the dye will be injected through your IV partway through the procedure. It’s normal to feel a warm sensation spreading through your body or to have a temporary metallic taste in your mouth. These feelings pass quickly.
• Step 5 - Completion: The entire neck CT scan procedure is very quick. The scanning itself usually takes less than a minute, and your total time in the room is typically about 10-15 minutes. Once the images are confirmed to be clear, the IV will be removed, and you can change back into your clothes.

Caution Before Taking the Test

For your safety, please remember to:

• ALWAYS inform the technologist if there is any chance you could be pregnant.
• Tell our staff about any allergies you have, especially to iodine or previous contrast dyes.
• Disclose any history of kidney disease, renal failure, or diabetes.
• Let the technologist know if you suffer from claustrophobia. Although the CT scanner is open and not a tunnel like an MRI, some individuals may feel anxious, and our team can help you feel more comfortable.