Computed tomography of the neck (soft tissues of the neck, nasopharynx, larynx, salivary glands)
Neck CT Scan (Soft Tissue and ENT) in Casablanca
A neck CT scan, also called an ENT CT scan, examines the soft tissues of the neck and the throat: the nasopharynx (the back of the nasal cavity), the larynx (the voice box, which contains the vocal cords), the parotid glands (salivary glands located in front of the ears), and the lymph nodes and vessels of the neck. This X-ray exam is most often performed with an iodinated contrast injection, which helps distinguish the organs, the lymph nodes and a possible lesion. It is often requested by the ENT specialist to examine a lump or a persistent discomfort, or to carry out an assessment. The vertebrae of the neck are covered by another exam, the cervical spine CT scan.
Duration, report and equipment
Duration
The exam itself most often takes 10 to 15 minutes, including the injection.
Report turnaround
Report within 24 hours. In an emergency, during opening hours, the report is handed over immediately.
Equipment
GE Revolution
Contact the center
This exam is booked by phone or WhatsApp.
When is this exam needed?
- Lump in the neck or lymph node that persists or grows.
- Swelling of a parotid gland, pain during meals or suspected salivary stone.
- Hoarse voice for several weeks or difficulty swallowing.
- Blocked nose on one side, repeated nosebleeds or persistent blocked ear, which may come from the nasopharynx.
- Assessment of a lesion seen during a fiberoptic endoscopy (exam of the throat with a small camera), or follow-up after treatment.
- Suspected deep neck abscess.
How the exam is done
You remove necklaces, earrings, piercings and removable dentures, then a small tube is placed in a vein in your arm. Lying on your back with your head supported, you lower your shoulders as much as possible to expose the lower part of the neck.
During image acquisition, avoid swallowing or coughing and breathe gently through your nose. You may be asked to say a long “eee” sound for the larynx, or to puff out your cheeks with your mouth closed for the mouth and throat. The injection may cause a feeling of warmth, a metallic taste or the impression of needing to urinate, which pass within a few seconds. At the end, the tube is removed; drink plenty of fluids during the day.
Preparation
- Remove necklaces, chains, earrings and tongue or lip piercings.
- Take out your removable dentures.
- Wear a top without a zipper or snap buttons around the collar.
- Tell us if you have difficulty breathing or swallowing when lying down.
Fasting
No fasting is needed, even if an injection is planned. Drink normally.
Contrast injection
The iodinated contrast agent is injected into a vein in the arm by an automatic injector, sometimes in two phases, to distinguish vessels, lymph nodes and tissues. For a salivary stone, a series without injection is often done first.
Contraindications and precautions
- Previous reaction to an iodinated contrast agent: tell us when you book; a preparation or another exam may be offered.
- Diabetes treated with metformin, or kidney disease: please tell us. Depending on your kidney function, the radiologist will tell you whether metformin should be paused after the injection. Bring a recent creatinine test if you are asked to.
- Thyroid disease or thyroid nodule: the gland is in the area examined and iodine can disturb it.
- Scintigraphy or radioactive iodine treatment planned soon: the iodine injection may require them to be postponed.
- Current or possible pregnancy: you must tell us before the exam. A CT scan uses X-rays: it is performed during pregnancy only if it is essential.
- Breastfeeding: please tell us. It is generally not necessary to stop breastfeeding after an iodinated contrast injection.
Documents to bring
- Prescription from the ENT specialist or doctor
- Fiberoptic endoscopy or ENT consultation report
- Previous ultrasound, CT or MRI of the neck
- Recent creatinine test (kidney function), as an injection is common
- List of your medications
- Insurance or mutual insurance fund card
Price and insurance coverage
The price of the neck CT scan varies with the region studied (whole neck, nasopharynx, larynx or parotid gland) and with the iodinated contrast injection, given in most cases.
The center accepts coverage from insurance companies and the main mutual insurance funds. You submit the coverage request to your insurer or fund yourself. For AtlantaSanad and Sanlam, the center takes care of it.
No prices are shown on this site: Kenza gives you the exact price on WhatsApp, along with the coverage procedure for your situation.
Frequently asked questions
Why am I asked to say “eee” during the exam?
Saying a long “eee” sound brings the vocal cords together and opens up certain areas of the larynx. Puffing out your cheeks with your mouth closed helps separate the walls of the mouth and throat. These maneuvers last only a few seconds and allow the radiologist to see the contours more clearly.
Does a single CT scan examine the nasopharynx, larynx and parotid glands?
The protocol focuses on the organ targeted by your doctor, but the exam generally covers a large part of the neck, often down to the upper chest, to study the lymph nodes. The area and the X-ray dose are adapted to the question asked.
Will I also need an MRI?
Sometimes. MRI often complements the CT scan for the nasopharynx or the salivary glands, because it distinguishes soft tissues in fine detail. The CT scan remains very useful for the larynx, the bones and the lymph nodes. The radiologist and the ENT specialist decide together whether an additional exam is needed.
What if I feel the need to cough or swallow?
This is common, precisely when you are asked not to. Swallow your saliva just before each series, then breathe calmly through your nose. If a cough catches you off guard, tell the radiographer: the series concerned can be repeated.
Neck CT Scan (Soft Tissue and ENT) in Casablanca: how much does it cost?
The price of the neck CT scan varies with the region studied (whole neck, nasopharynx, larynx or parotid gland) and with the iodinated contrast injection, given in most cases. The center accepts coverage from insurance companies and the main mutual insurance funds. No prices are shown on this site: Kenza gives you the exact price on WhatsApp, along with the coverage procedure for your situation.