CT SCAN OF NECK WITH CONTRAST

In simple terms, a CT scanner is a sophisticated X-ray machine shaped like a large donut. During the scan, it takes a series of X-ray images from many different angles around your neck. A powerful computer then processes these images and combines them to create detailed, slice-like pictures.

The key to this specific scan is the "contrast material." This is an iodine-based liquid that is injected into a vein, usually in your arm. As it travels through your bloodstream, it highlights or "enhances" specific tissues and blood vessels. This enhancement makes them stand out brightly on the scan, allowing the radiologist to distinguish between normal and abnormal tissues with greater accuracy. This is particularly useful for evaluating the soft tissues of the neck.

Types of Neck CT Scans

While this page focuses on one type, there are a few variations of neck CT scans.

• With Contrast: This is the primary subject of this page. It is the best method for evaluating soft tissues, blood vessels, lymph nodes, infections, and tumors.
• Without Contrast: This type of scan may be performed first or used on its own if the primary concern is a bony fracture or the presence of calcifications in the neck arteries or thyroid gland.
• CT Angiography (CTA): This is a highly specialized version of a CT with contrast that is timed specifically to capture detailed images of the arteries and veins in the neck, used to look for blockages, aneurysms, or dissections.

One of the most common questions from patients is, "what does a neck ct with contrast show?" A radiologist carefully examines many different structures. Here is a list of what they look for in a soft tissue neck CT with contrast:

• Soft Tissues: The muscles and the fat planes between them are evaluated for any signs of inflammation, infection, or tumors.
• Glands: Key glands are assessed for size, shape, and abnormalities. This includes the thyroid and parathyroid glands at the front of the neck and the salivary glands (parotid, submandibular).
• Airways and Digestive Tract: The scan provides a clear view of the larynx (voice box), pharynx (throat), and the upper part of the esophagus.
• Vascular Structures: The contrast dye makes the major blood vessels, including the carotid arteries and jugular veins, highly visible to check for blockages or other issues.
• Abnormalities: The primary goal is often to identify specific abnormalities, such as tumors (cancerous or benign), cysts, abscesses (collections of pus from infection), inflammation, and enlarged lymph nodes (lymphadenopathy).

Your healthcare provider might order this test for a variety of diagnostic reasons:

• To fully investigate a lump or mass found during a physical exam.
• To discover the underlying cause of persistent swelling, pain, or discomfort in the neck.
• To stage cancer by determining its exact size, location, and whether it has spread to nearby lymph nodes. It is also used to monitor how well cancer is responding to treatment.
• To confirm the presence of an abscess or deep neck infection and guide treatment.
• To assess trauma to the neck’s soft tissues, airways, or blood vessels after an accident.

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

Your doctor may recommend a CT scan of the neck with contrast for several reasons. It is commonly ordered for patients who are:

• Experiencing symptoms like a persistent neck lump or mass.
• Dealing with unexplained or chronic neck pain.
• Having difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) or persistent voice changes (hoarseness).
• Recovering from a significant injury or trauma to the neck.
• Needing a follow-up examination after an abnormal finding on another test, such as an ultrasound.

Benefits of Taking the Test

The CT scan of the neck with contrast offers significant benefits for your diagnosis and treatment planning:

• Detailed Images: It provides incredibly detailed images of bone, soft tissue, and blood vessels all in one examination.
• Excellent Differentiation: The contrast material helps radiologists clearly differentiate between different types of tissue and identify abnormalities that might be hidden on other tests.
• Fast and Non-Invasive: The scan itself is quick and, apart from the IV injection, is non-invasive.
• Critical for Planning: It provides essential information that is crucial for an accurate diagnosis, planning for surgery, or designing radiation therapy treatments.

Illnesses Diagnosed with CT Scan of the Neck with Contrast

This powerful imaging tool plays a key role in diagnosing a wide range of conditions, including:

• Thyroid cancer and thyroid nodules
• Cancers of the throat (pharynx), voice box (larynx), and salivary glands
• Lymphoma (a cancer of the lymphatic system)
• Abscesses and cellulitis (deep tissue infections)
• Goiter (an abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland)
• Vascular abnormalities like aneurysms (bulges in blood vessels) or dissections (tears in the vessel wall)

Proper preparation is important for a successful scan. Follow these guidelines closely:

• Fasting: You will likely be instructed not to eat or drink anything for 4 to 6 hours before your appointment. This ensures your stomach is empty, which can reduce the risk of nausea from the contrast dye.
• Medication: Please inform your doctor and our CT staff of all medications you are currently taking. It is especially important to mention if you take Metformin (Glucophage) for diabetes, as you may need to temporarily stop it around the time of your scan.
• Clothing: Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes. You will be asked to remove any metal objects like jewelry, dentures, hearing aids, and glasses, as metal can interfere with the images.
• Hydration: It's a good idea to drink plenty of water the day before your scan and especially the day after. This helps your kidneys flush the contrast material out of your system.

Pre-requisites

To ensure the procedure is safe and effective, the following are required:

• A doctor's referral or prescription for the scan.
• A recent creatinine blood test result to confirm your kidneys are functioning well enough to process the contrast dye.
• A signed consent form, which will be provided at our facility, confirming you understand the procedure.

Best Time to Take the CT Scan of the Neck with Contrast

The test can be performed at any time of day. Your appointment at Cadabams Diagnostics will be scheduled to accommodate the necessary fasting period.

Eligibility

Most adults are eligible for this scan. However, there are important contraindications. You must inform our staff if you:

• Have a known allergy to iodine or have had a previous allergic reaction to CT contrast dye.
• Have been diagnosed with severe kidney disease or kidney failure.
• Are, or think you might be, pregnant.

Procedure for Taking a CT Scan of the Neck with Contrast

Understanding the CT neck with contrast procedure can help you feel more at ease. Here’s what you can expect at Cadabams Diagnostics:

1. Check-in: You will arrive at our center, confirm your personal details, and review the consent form. You may be asked to change into a hospital gown.
2. IV Line: A certified technologist will gently place a small IV (intravenous) line into a vein, usually in your arm or hand. This is for administering the contrast dye.
3. Positioning: You will be asked to lie down comfortably on your back on a flat table. The technologist will position you correctly, often with a special headrest to help you stay still. The table will then slide into the center of the large, circular CT scanner.
4. Scanning: The table will move slowly through the scanner as an initial set of images is taken. Following this, the technologist, communicating with you over an intercom, will begin the injection of the contrast dye through the IV. You will likely feel that warm sensation discussed earlier.
5. Holding Still: It is very important to hold perfectly still during the scan. You will be asked to hold your breath for short periods (around 10-15 seconds) while the machine captures the final, enhanced images.
6. Duration: The entire process, from check-in to completion, typically takes about 15 to 30 minutes. The scan itself is much shorter.

Caution Before Taking the Test

For your safety, it is CRITICAL that you report the following to your doctor and our staff before the scan:

• Any previous allergic reaction to contrast dye.
• Any history of kidney problems, renal failure, or diabetes.
• If you are pregnant, may be pregnant, or are currently breastfeeding.
• A complete list of your current medications, with special emphasis on Metformin (Glucophage).