CT scan of the throat and larynx helps to identify dangerous diseases, to prescribe the best methods of treatment. Before undergoing this diagnostic measure, you should be tested and consult your doctor. With the help of CT scan of the larynx, serious diseases can be detected in the early stages.
What will CT scan show?
Computed tomography of the larynx and throat shows a complete picture of the state of the upper respiratory tract, as well as soft tissues and blood vessels. This study is usually prescribed when making any controversial diagnosis. It is necessary to clarify or refute it. At the moment, modern diagnosis of the disease by the method of CT of the larynx is very much appreciated. What the study shows, it will confirm or refute the diagnosis made in absentia. The procedure includes a complex set of measures involving analysis, assessment of all the symptoms of the disease.
Device device
The ray tube is equipped with a detector. These elements rotate gradually. In one revolution, they can illuminate only a thin strip of fabric. A complete picture will gradually form when the system takes pictures of all the necessary areas. All pictures are taken in more than one projection, which allows us to consider the problem from all sides. Using built-in programs, the resulting image is gradually transformed.
The principle of using CT
Together with the deformed mucosa on the opposite background, the system displays completely healthy organs. Next, a detailed analysis of all deviations is made. The received data is recorded by employees for further transmission to a doctor who can decrypt it. After analyzing the information, the specialist makes a decision on the further course of treatment.
Reasons to do CT
The attending physician directs the neck and larynx to CT in the following circumstances:
- Severe neck injuries, which can lead to dangerous violations in the work of internal organs, which need correction.
- Congenital disorders in the growth and development of any internal organs.
- The possibility of the appearance of benign tumors, a suspicion of their degeneration into malignant.
- The growth of cancer.
- Investigation of the location of metastases, their size and possible progression.
- Determination of the exact location of foreign bodies in the neck if surgical removal is necessary.
- Cystic formations of any internal parts of the neck.
- Violations in the work of the upper spine, any destructive processes, as well as all kinds of curvatures and injuries.
- Inflammation of the neck of any complexity. Sometimes research is required even with ordinary sore throat. Often consider the location of abscesses, all kinds of accumulations of fluid due to infectious violations of the structure of tissues of internal organs.
- The formation of a diverticulum in the larynx, and if necessary, check for the presence of these deviations in the upper esophagus.
- Vascular problems, including thrombosis or atherosclerosis, are investigated in detail, especially with problems of unclear etiology.
- Enlarged lymph nodes, if to argue the cause of this phenomenon, fails.
CT Safety
Computed tomography can really harm the health of a living organism, but it is insignificant, no cases of severe disturbances resulting from an examination of CT of the larynx were detected. This research method is based on x-ray radiation. This phenomenon is recognized as relatively safe for human health if it is not located near the device constantly without special protection.
Fear of undergoing the procedure has no reason, therefore, if necessary, do not abandon this functional study. When conducting a CT scan of the larynx, the price is moderate, it costs a study of about 4000 rubles. Modern devices are created with a modified design, so the dose of direct radiation is even lower. It is allowed to conduct this study repeatedly, while there will be no disturbances in the work of internal organs.
Contraindications
- Do not have a laryngeal CT scan for pregnant women. The fetus is sensitive to any dose of radiation, so do not expose it to danger. It is permitted to conduct this study only in cases where the risk to the health of the mother is too great, and any delay can cause an exacerbation of the disease.
- CT is not done if it is possible to do without it when a person has severe pain or hyperkinesis appears, that is, the patient does not control his movements, expressed in strong and intermittent twitches.
- Doctors do not recommend CT with contrast in lactation, that is, at a time when a woman is breast-feeding a baby. This warning is argued by the fact that contrast radiation is able to penetrate and accumulate in breast milk. If a woman was forced to have a CT scan with a contrast, then it is necessary to interrupt breastfeeding for at least 2 days. Before undergoing the procedure, you can strain a little milk and leave it for the child so that a temporary transition to the mixture is not too painful.
- Patients with renal failure are limited in their ability to do a CT scan when needed. If impaired kidney function is too striking, then this study is prohibited. Substances that enter the body as a result of this diagnostic measure should be excreted by the kidneys. If these organs cannot function correctly, there is a risk of poisoning the body.
- People who are allergic to iodine are not allowed to carry out the procedure.
- In diseases of the thyroid gland, CT is not performed in many cases, however, if necessary, doctors are allowed to use this diagnostic method. Symptoms worsened. First, you should determine the level of thyroid hormones, if it is unsatisfactory, then CT is most often canceled.
Why do I need computed tomography with contrast?
This diagnostic measure is sometimes performed with contrast. This is a special substance made on the basis of iodine, which helps to more clearly see all the internal structures of organs. This drug before a diagnostic study is administered intravenously to the patient. When it spreads through the vessels, a specific color is visible on the board. Further, the substance accumulates in the tissues, helping to identify the affected structures. This substance is especially effective at staining tissues where there is a large blood flow, therefore with its help malignant tumors and inflammatory processes are easily identified.
How is CT performed?
The patient is located on a pull-out table, his doctor is watching his body position.
A special ring starts when the device is turned on and rotates around the patient. A person should not move at this time.
When performing CT with the use of a contrast agent, the drug is administered intravenously before starting the device. Sometimes it should be taken orally. In this case, the doctor gives a special command, by which the patient drinks the provided liquid.
When conducting a CT scan of the throat and larynx, the price is small. The procedure is completely painless and safe if all tests have been submitted before this study, and the patient has received the approval of the attending physician for this diagnostic method. A person will have a complete picture of the disease of the neck organs, on the basis of the revealed data he will be prescribed the most optimal treatment.