What is a neck CT scan?

A neck CT scan is a special X-ray study that is used to examine structures located in the neck and upper chest. It is performed in a similar manner as other types of CT scans. The patient lies on a narrow platform that slowly slides through a large circular structure. As the platform slides, a special X-ray camera spins in a circle around the patient, gathering information about that is processed through a computer to generate pictures that represent images of slices at different levels in the neck. In cases of thyroid cancer, these pictures are examined to see if they show any evidence of cancer spreading beyond the thyroid to invade other structures in the neck or to cause enlargement of lymph nodes in the neck or chest.

Intravenous contrast should be avoided if possible when a patient has a neck CT scan.

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