CT Neck with Upper Chest

A CT (Computed Tomography) neck scan is a painless, non-invasive X-ray technique that creates cross-sectional “slices” of the neck, throat, thyroid, lymph nodes, blood vessels and the very top of the lungs. When the scan field is extended, we call it CT NECK WITH UPPER CHEST. The study is fast, widely available and often replaces more invasive tests.

CT neck scan uses a rotating X-ray tube and multiple detectors to capture detailed images from different angles. A computer reconstructs these into 0.5–1 mm thin slices, allowing radiologists to:

• Measure lymph-node size to 1 mm accuracy
• Spot 2 mm thyroid nodules
• Detect early airway compression
• Evaluate vessels without inserting a catheter

1. Non-contrast CT – quickest, ideal for trauma, foreign body, calculi
2. Contrast-enhanced CT – highlights vessels, tumours, abscesses
3. CT angiography (CTA) – specifically maps carotid and vertebral arteries
4. CT neck with upper chest – single acquisition from skull base to aortic arch

• Staging head-and-neck cancers
• Check airway patency before intubation
• Evaluate thyroid nodule for extrathyroidal extension
• Drain abscess or plan biopsy route
• Screen for lung apex nodules (Pancoast tumour)

Your doctor may prescribe a CT NECK WITH UPPER CHEST if you have:

• Persistent neck swelling or mass
• Hoarseness lasting > 3 weeks
• Difficulty swallowing or breathing
• Unexplained lymph-node enlargement
• Trauma (e.g., seat-belt injury)
• Follow-up after neck surgery or radiation
• Suspected congenital cyst or fistula in children

• Speed: whole study in < 10 min
• Accuracy: 95 % sensitivity for detecting malignant nodes > 8 mm
• One-stop: includes upper chest without repositioning
• Low cost: 30–40 % cheaper than combined MRI + chest X-ray
• Minimally invasive: only an IV line if contrast is used

• Thyroid cancer / goitre
• Lymphoma & metastatic nodes
• Laryngocele, laryngeal carcinoma
• Retropharyngeal & peritonsillar abscess
• Carotid artery stenosis or dissection
• Parathyroid adenoma (with 4-D CT protocol)
• Lung apex tumours (Pancoast)
• Osteomyelitis of cervical vertebrae

1. 4 hrs fasting if contrast is planned
2. Remove jewellery, dentures, hairpins
3. Bring recent creatinine report (within 30 days if > 50 yrs or diabetic)
4. Wear cotton gown; leave metal fasteners at home
5. Inform us about pregnancy or lactation

• Doctor’s prescription with clinical indication
• Valid ID & mobile number for report portal
• Previous imaging CDs for comparison
• eGFR > 30 ml/min for contrast studies

• Elective cases: early morning slots (8–10 am) when blood sugar is stable and centre is least crowded
• Post-operative baseline: 6–8 weeks after surgery
• Cancer staging: within 14 days of biopsy to avoid up-stage bias
• Emergency: any time; we run 24×7 trauma protocol

Age: Neonates to geriatrics (weight ≥ 3 kg) Weight limit: 200 kg with our wide-bore 80 cm scanner Claustrophobia: Open-bore design accommodates anxious patients Pregnancy: Only non-contrast scan if absolutely indicated; written consent required

1. Arrival & registration (5 min)
2. IV cannula insertion (if contrast)
3. Positioning: supine, head in neutral, arms down
4. Topogram (scout view) to set limits
5. Contrast injection via automated pump
6. Breath-hold instructions for chest portion
7. Scan completed in one helical pass (8–15 s)
8. Post-scan observation for 15 min to rule out contrast reaction
9. Report ready in 60 min; emailed & uploaded to patient portal

• Metformin should be stopped 48 hrs prior if eGFR 30–45
• history of severe iodine allergy needs 13-hour steroid prep
• Asthmatics must carry inhaler; we stock emergency trolley
• Pacemaker or cochlear implant ≠ contraindication, but inform technologist for angle adjustment

Risks

• Radiation exposure: 2–4 mSv (equal to 6–12 months of natural background)
• Contrast allergy (rare, 1 in 1000)
• Contrast-induced nephropathy if eGFR < 30 ml/min Limitations
• Dental amalgam can create streak artefacts
• Very early laryngeal cancer may need MRI for cartilage invasion
• Small (< 3 mm) nodes can still hide microscopic disease