What to do with neck adenopathy?
Summary:
Adult, afebrile, single or multiple node(s) = CT neck with contrast (or MRI neck with contrast, if needed*)
Adult, febrile, single node = CT neck with contrast (or MRI neck with contrast, if needed*)
Adult pulsatile neck mass = CTA and CT neck with contrast (or MRI neck with contrast, if needed*)
Adult with cancer history and nodes = Neck PET and CT with contrast
Child (up to age 14), afebrile or febrile, single or multiple node(s) = Neck ultrasound (Then CT neck with contrast (or MRI neck with contrast, if needed*))
* This decision is usually based on renal function and contrast reactions
Educational purposes for licensed providers.
Note to Patients:
Radiology is a very large and ever changing field and this post is to help your provider. When combined with a thorough history and physical exam, this information can be very useful. Your provider is best suited to answer specific questions regarding this post.
A provider is usually a Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant or Medical Doctor.
Of course, this is not a substitute for medical care.
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