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Computed tomography of the pharynx and larynx is an effective method for assessing morphological changes in the area under study.
The study is based on the collection of information when exposed to the alleged affected area by X-ray radiation.
Initially, the method was positioned as a diagnostic method to search for the primary cause of a violation of the structure of the brain.
But today, advanced instrumentation adaptations allow the examination of potentially affected pharynx and larynx.
Digital images obtained from CT are more detailed than those obtained from radiography.
Features of the technique
Computed tomography, which is simply abbreviated as CT, allows you to draw a conclusion about the health of the larynx, as well as evaluate the blood and lymphatic vessels located in the scanned area.
Thanks to the constant improvement of the diagnostic system, with the advent of spiral CT, it has become possible to get a detailed visualization of the problem area. With multispiral CT, it is possible to collect more images from different angles, which increases the final quality of the projection.
The second option is designed to reduce the testing time, as well as to reduce the radiation load on the body by an order of magnitude, which is especially important for elderly patients. But, regardless of how many beams of rays will be used, the principle of analysis remains identical. The scanner with detectors will rotate around the medical couch with the patient, allowing to form a three-dimensional image of the organ in the shortest possible time.
Most often, when examining this area, the doctor additionally insists on including the stage of contrasting. It is not always needed, but if the doctor recommends going through it, then you should not refuse, because the results when using contrast agents are more informative.
The mechanism of contrasting is based on the introduction of a special substance into the body. Most often this is an intravenous method. Due to the difference in the accumulation of contrast, it is possible to detect even the smallest deviations, which is more characteristic of oncological neoplasms.
Indication for appointment
The most important advantage of the method is its relative safety. This is confirmed by numerous thematic scientific experiments, as well as by the patients themselves who have undergone the procedure in the past.
Despite the fact that the same X-ray radiation is taken as the basis here, it has a narrower focus, which guarantees a reduced intensity of action. Thanks to this, it is possible to block the harmful ionizing radiation of the body.
The decision to prescribe a diagnosis should be made by the attending physician based on indirect signs of the presence of a pathology in this area, such as: the results of a standard set of tests, as well as patient complaints and objective examination data recorded in the medical record.
The main reasons for passing such a test are:
- neck and throat injuries;
- inflammatory process in the nasopharynx;
- neoplasms in the neck and tumors;
- laryngeal edema or stenosis;
- thyroid anomalies;
- congenital profile pathologies;
- the need to assess the blood and lymph vessels locally.
There are also rarer reasons for prescribing, but all of them should initially be considered by the treating specialist, who will refer the patient for further examination.
Contrast enhancement
In most standard cases, classical computed tomography is sufficient. But if there are suspicions of an oncological disease, then contrasting is indispensable. Manipulation will be especially important when searching for an ailment at an early stage of development in order to suppress it in the bud with minimal losses.
In such situations, CT is sent directly from the oncology dispensary to help detect possible ones as soon as possible:
- primary tumor process of cervical localization up to the vocal cords;
- secondary oncology of the metastatic type and the degree of damage;
- tumors that degenerate into cancer due to malignancy;
- changes in cancer growth.
Even ordinary papillomas, adenomas, polyps and other benign neoplasms are also diagnosed using this diagnostic procedure.
Also, patients at an intermediate stage of treatment in an oncology hospital will also have to undergo CT scans again.
This is necessary to track the dynamics of recovery and be able to adjust the course of treatment if necessary.
The secret of the increased clarity of the images coming to the screen of the monitor are special substances based on iodine. Due to the ability to accumulate in the affected tissues, the contrast agent stains these areas especially brightly.
For the convenience of the study, the agent is administered through a vein, after which the spiral format of the test is first performed, and then the contrast one.
Contraindications for examination
Despite the fact that the technique is relatively safe, there are separate groups of patients who fall into the risk category. We are talking about pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy, since even a reduced dose of x-ray waves can significantly harm the development of the fetus. According to an identical principle, irradiation also affects the baby during the period of breastfeeding, but here the risks are slightly less.
If the benefit of the study significantly outweighs the harm, then during the lactation period, women are still prescribed CT, but after the manipulation, it will be necessary to refrain from breastfeeding for at least a few days.
It is also worth carefully approaching the choice of diagnostics with the presence of iodine. For this, an additional test for an allergic reaction is carried out.
Other relative contraindications include:
- kidney disease;
- diseases of the cardiovascular system of severe degree;
- age is less than 16 years;
- thyroid diseases with hyperproduction of hormones;
- severe pain syndrome;
- hyperkinesis;
- mental disorders.
But it’s not for nothing that they have the clarification “relative”. Sometimes the doctor issues a referral for CT even to people at risk, if there is no alternative.
Preparatory stage
There are no essential preparations before the procedure. The person will simply be asked to remove all jewelry and metal objects such as dentures before lying down on the couch. Otherwise, the image will be distorted and you will have to redo everything again.
Since the patient has to lie still during the entire procedure, his head is placed on a pillow and additionally fixed with straps. In total, the analysis lasts about fifteen minutes, which is especially important for those who suffer from claustrophobia.
If the patient knows in advance that he will be injected with a contrast solution, then it is worth refraining from eating approximately four to five hours before the scheduled appointment. You will also have to come to terms with the fact that contrasting has a side effect in the form of a headache with nausea. But they go away on their own in about an hour.
All results are given to the patient either in person to pass them on to the attending physician, or sent directly to the attending physician’s office. The verdict for health reasons is made on the basis of the data obtained, the results of other tests and the history of the victim.