17
Frequently Asked Questions
for Adults with a Neck Mass
5. How will the provider examine my mouth and throat?
The provider will look in your mouth and throat with a bright light. If you wear
dentures, you will need to remove them. The provider may use gauze to hold your
tongue and feel the surfaces of the mouth, tongue, tonsils or the back of your tongue.
The provider may use a small mirror in your mouth to see the voice box. If a
'scope' is needed, the provider may first numb the nose and throat. The provider
will then place a small tube in your nose and use a camera to examine your throat.
You may have mild discomfort.
6. What is a computerized tomography (CT) scan?
A CT scan is a series of x-rays that give more detail than regular x-rays. CT scan
pictures show soft tissue and bones. The CT machine looks like a large donut
that your head, neck and chest will go through. Patients without an allerg y to
contrast will need an IV—that is, a needle inserted into a vein—for contrast to
enhance the pictures.
Risks include:
• Contrast allerg y
• Discomfort with IV placement
• Patients with claustrophobia have minimal anxiety during this brief scan
(3–5 minutes).
• A CT scan uses radiation—about as much as 150 chest x-rays.
7. What is a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan?
An MRI scan creates pictures of the soft tissue but not the bones. An MRI does
not use radiation; it uses very strong magnets. The MRI machine looks like a
narrow tube that your head, neck, and chest will go inside. You will need an IV for
contrast to enhance the pictures. If you have any metal or implants in your body,
you may not be able to have an MRI. You must discuss this with your provider.
Risks include:
• IV contrast allerg y
• Discomfort with IV placement
• Patients with claustrophobia may be very anxious with this lengthy scan
(45–60 minutes). Your provider may provide a sedative pill.
8. What is a fine needle aspiration (FNA)?
A FNA uses a small needle stuck into the mass to get a tissue sample.
Risks include:
• Discomfort from needle stick
• Infection
• Bruising
• Bleeding
• Not enough tissue for a diagnosis—repeat procedure
