Finding the right tests…
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Emergency services available 24 x 7
Finding the right tests…
CT Scan
This scan extends a standard facial CT down into the neck in a single combined study, which matters when an injury or disease process doesn't respect that boundary - a jaw fracture running toward the neck, or facial swelling tracking into deeper neck spaces. Rather than booking a separate face scan and neck scan, this combines both into one pass, useful for wider facial trauma, suspected spread of infection from the face into the neck, or a mass a doctor can't yet confirm is confined to the face alone. Neck CT with intravenous contrast is generally considered the more informative option when checking lymph nodes or a soft-tissue mass rather than bone alone.
This scan images the facial bones, sinuses, and soft tissue together with the structures of the neck - lymph nodes, soft tissue, and the upper airway - in one combined study. It's used when a problem may span both regions. Your doctor decides based on where symptoms or suspected disease extend.
Some problems don't stay confined to one region. A facial fracture from a serious accident can extend toward the jaw and neck, and an infection or swelling starting in the face can spread into neck spaces. Rather than two separate scans, this study covers both areas together, so nothing at the boundary between them gets missed.
- Facial trauma severe enough that neck involvement is a concern - Suspected infection spreading from the face into the neck - A facial or neck mass whose full extent isn't clear - Swollen lymph nodes alongside facial symptoms
For checking lymph nodes or a soft-tissue mass specifically - rather than bone alone - a scan with intravenous contrast generally gives more information than a plain one, since it highlights blood flow and tissue enhancement patterns. Your doctor decides whether your situation calls for contrast, a plain scan, or both.
Ask your doctor what specifically they're looking for with this combined scan, since that shapes how it's done.
It's ordered when a problem might span both regions - for example, a severe facial injury that could extend toward the neck, or swelling that might be spreading from the face into neck spaces. Covering both in one study avoids missing something at the boundary.
It covers more area, so it generally takes a bit longer than a facial CT alone, though it's still done in one sitting. Ask the centre for an estimate specific to your visit.
Often, especially if your doctor is checking lymph nodes or a soft-tissue mass rather than bone alone, since contrast shows those structures more clearly. Your doctor decides based on what's being evaluated.
This page is general information about the test, not medical advice. Your own report's reference ranges apply — please discuss your results with your doctor.
Since it covers a larger area, it does involve more radiation than a facial CT alone. Your doctor weighs this against the value of checking both regions together.
It can help identify suspicious lymph nodes or masses that need further evaluation, such as a biopsy, but it doesn't diagnose cancer on its own.
It may be, especially if there are also facial symptoms. For a neck lump alone without facial involvement, your doctor may instead order a neck-only scan.
Preparation depends on whether contrast is used. Ask your doctor or the centre directly about fasting or other instructions before your appointment.