What information does a CT scan provide?

In the setting of recurrent thyroid cancer, different types of CT scans may be used to perform anatomic imaging of different parts of the body.

Neck CT scans may be used to examine structures in the neck. In general, ultrasound studies tend to produce clearer pictures of this region.

If any suspicion exists that thyroid cancer may have metastasized to the chest or lungs, a thoracic CT scan may be used to examine this region. Lung metastases may appear as small nodules of soft tissue interspersed among the air-filled spaces of the lungs. Metastases that have spread to the center of the chest (a region called the mediastinum) may be seen as masses of soft tissue growing in abnormal locations above the heart or adjacent to the roots of the lungs.

If any suspicion exists that thyroid cancer may have metastasized to the central nervous system, a brain CT scan or spinal CT scan may be used to examine parts of the brain or spinal cord. Metastases may be visualized as abnormal masses of soft tissue growing within the normal tissue of the brain or the space of the spinal column surrounding the spinal cord. It is often necessary to reimage these regions with MRI scans, as CT scans performed without intravenous contrast may not provide enough definition.

Finally, if any suspicion exists that thyroid cancer may have spread to the bones, CT scans can be used to examine specific bones along with the areas of soft tissue that surround them. Bone metastases may appear as punched out dark areas within the normal bright outlines of the bones and joints.

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