CT NECK WITH UPPER CHEST

Computed Tomography (CT) scan of the neck with upper chest is a type of diagnostic imaging test that employs X-rays along with a computer to produce cross-sectional images of the neck and upper chest region. The test is performed to assess the neck and upper chest for injuries, diseases and other conditions which may be causing symptoms like pain, numbness, and difficulty in swallowing. 

What is a CT Neck with Upper Chest?  

A CT Neck with Upper Chest scan combines X-ray imaging with advanced computer technologies to form a detailed graphical representation of the internal structures of the neck and upper chest. The test is conducted in a hospital or an imaging center and usually takes 30 minutes to 1 hour. 

In this procedure, X-rays are used to scan the body in a spiral motion to create images. After that a computer receives the X-rays and reconstructs the images into detailed cross-sectional views of the neck and upper chest. 

Types of CT Neck with Upper Chest 

There are a few variants of scans of the Neck and Upper Chest region.  

• Non-contrast CT - This type of scan doesn’t administer contrast dye. It’s used to check the lung parenchyma or to find lung nodules and even in some cases, lung abscesses.  
• Contrast CT - This type of CT scan checks the blood vessels of deeper structures in the neck and upper chest and uses contrast dye.  
• High resolution CT (HRCT) - This type of CT scan uses higher levels of radiation, so it gives clearer images of the lung parenchyma. 

List of Parameters Considered During the CT Neck with Upper Chest

The following considerations are noted in a CT scan of the Neck with Upper Chest:  

• Blood vessels: The scan assesses the blood vessels in the neck and upper chest region for possible stenosis, occlusion, or aneurysm.  
• Soft Tissues: The scan evaluates soft tissues in the neck and upper chest region for any injury, infection, or other disease processes.  
• Lymph Nodes: The scan evaluates the lymph nodes in the neck and upper chest region for evidence of enlargement or neoplasm.  
• Lung parenchyma: The scan evaluates the lung parenchyma for any evidence of disease, infection, or injury. 

Reasons for Taking a CT Neck with Upper Chest

The following reasons may warrant the need for a CT scan of the neck and upper chest region:  

• To assess the neck and upper chest for trauma or other forms of injury.  
• To diagnose and track the progression of cancer or other medically significant disorders pertaining to the thyroid, parathyroid, or lymphoma.  
• To Identify and track the progression of potential primary or metastatic lung tumours.  
• To determine If a patient shows signs of infective pathology involving the lungs. 

Who and When should take a CT Neck with Upper Chest?  

A CT scan neck with upper chest imaging may be suggested to patients who are suffering from conditions like:  

• Chest or neck stiffness alongside pain 
• Trouble swallowing 
• Altered sensations in the arms and legs  
• Facial or overall body weakness 
• Injuries to the upper torso or neck region  
• Diagnosed or suspected malignancy in the upper region of the chest or neck  
• MRI and X rays that exhibit concerning features. 

Patients that will benefit from the CT Scan neck with upper chest imaging include:  

• Patients with a personal history of cancer or having received radiotherapy on the head and neck region.  
• Patients are known to have a family history of some genetic conditions; for example, multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN). 
• Patients that have a history of disorders of the thyroid and parathyroid glands.  
• Patients that recently had an accident or trauma involving the neck or upper torso area. 

Benefits of Taking the Test

The importance of undertaking a CT scan of the neck and upper chest region is justified by the following:  

• Facilitates accurate diagnosis and monitoring of medically significant conditions.  
• Ability to visualize the internal structures of the neck and upper chest.  
• Ability to assess the lungs for the presence of nodules or malignant tumours.  
• Ability to assess the lung parenchyma in a patient suspected to have infective pathology. 

Illnesses Diagnosed with CT Neck with Upper Chest

The following conditions may be diagnosed with the use of a CT scan of the neck and upper chest region:  

• Malignant neoplasm of the thyroid or parathyroid or lung (cancer)  
• Lymphatic cancer (lymphoma)  
• Benign or malignant neoplasm of the thyroid or parathyroid gland.  
• Injuries or damage inflicted on the neck or upper chest region.  
• Malignant or benign nodules of the lung.  
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). 

Preparing for CT Neck with Chest

Prior to receiving a CT scan of the neck with upper chest, patients will need to:  

• Notify their physician or health care provider of any allergies and sensitivities that they may have.  
• Notify their physician or health care provider of any medical history including kidney disease.  
• Take off any clothing or jewelry that may be obstructive to the scan.  
• Put on loose-fitting and comfortable clothing.  
• Come in no less than 30 minutes earlier than the scheduled time for the procedure. 

Pre-requisites 

Patients that will have a CT scan of the neck and upper chest are normally required to: 

• State any allergies they could possibly have sensitivity to  
• Inform their healthcare provider about any chances of kidney disease or other medical conditions  
• Take off any clothing or jewellery that will obstruct with the scan  
• Put on comfortable attire  
• Arrive at least thirty minutes early to check in 

There are no specific pre-requisites for the CT scan, neck with upper chest, however, patients may be required to:  

• Refrain from eating for an extended time prior to the scan 
• Skip certain medications prior to the exam 

Best Time to Take the CT Neck with Upper Chest 

The scan can be performed at any hour of the day, one scan is the neck with the upper chest. But for better service, scheduling an appointment around mid-morning or early afternoon is preferable. During that time, the facilities are normally less busy. 

Eligibility 

Seeing a doctor is recommended prior to undergoing a neck CT scan including the upper chest for the first time. The only prerequisites are:  

• Currently pregnant or nursing. 
• Diseases of the kidneys or other menacing conditions having the potential risk of using the contrast material. 
• Some known hypersensitivities. 

Procedure for Taking a CT Neck with Upper Chest 

CT scans of the neck and upper chest are accomplished in a series of steps, which include the following:  

• Reporting: Patients arrive at the imaging centre where they have been booked and report for the procedure. 
• Getting ready: Patients get ready for the procedure by taking off any clothing or accessories that might be problematic. 
• Use of a Contrast Medium: The patient receives a contrast medium injection to accentuate blood vessels and some structures.  
• Scanning: The patient lays on the CT scanner and the scanning begins. 
• Reconstruction of the images: The computer reconstructs the images from the scanning. 

Caution Before Taking the Test 

People preparing for a CT scan of the neck and upper chest should tell their doctor about any of the following: 

• Current allergies or sensitivities  
• Diagnosed kidney disease or any other medical issue  
• Currently pregnant or lactating  
• Injury or trauma to the neck or chest areas within the last few months