Benefits and Risks – Neck CT Scan

Benefits

• Neck CT scan is a convenient and noninvasive way of evaluating problems in the neck.
• The exam takes little time and is painless..
• No radiation remains in a patient's body after a CT examination.
• X-rays used in standard CT scans have no immediate side effects.

Risks

• There is always a slight chance of cancer from excessive exposure to radiation. However, the benefit of an accurate diagnosis will generally outweigh the risk.
• The effective radiation dose for this procedure varies.
• Women should always inform their SMIL staff if there is any possibility that they are pregnant.
• CT scanning is, in general, not recommended for pregnant women unless medically necessary because of potential risk to the baby.