CT Evaluation of the Soft Tissues of the Neck without Contrast

CT EVALUATION OF THE SOFT TISSUES OF THE NECK WITHOUT CONTRAST

INDICATION FOR STUDY:         Palpable mass, left-sided neck.  Thyroid ultrasound examination from February 20, 2012.

FINDINGS:             The area of concern was marked with a metallic BB.  There is no significant mass lesions or adenopathy clearly identified.  There are vessels identified, which of course are in a normal pattern.  The muscles, submandibular gland, parotid gland, and thyroid gland show no significant abnormality.  The examination is limited without I.V. contrast, but there is no specific change to suggest abnormal mass lesion or adenopathy.  There are a few small nonspecific lymph nodes, which appear within normal limits and symmetric in appearance.  The visualized airway shows no gross abnormality.  The parapharyngeal fat and prevertebral soft tissues show no significant abnormality.

IMPRESSION:        The area of concern in the left neck was marked and there is no specific lesion or mass clearly identified.  The soft tissues and muscle planes all appear symmetric on the left and right side.  There are degenerative changes of the spine, but no other significant abnormality identified.  The examination is limited without I.V. contrast, but from the evaluation, there is no specific lesion or mass.  Would recommend clinical correlation or further evaluation as necessary.