When diagnosing and treating conditions of the throat and neck, board-certified otolaryngologists at Valley ENT often rely on various imaging evaluations. These advanced imaging techniques help ENT specialists accurately diagnose conditions, plan treatments, and monitor progress.
Throat/Neck Imaging & Diagnostic Evaluation Tests
The most common diagnostic tool for throat or neck conditions is flexible laryngoscopy, an in-office procedure that involves inserting a flexible fiberoptic tube with a lens through the nose and into the throat to inspect the voice box and check if the vocal cords are moving correctly. Imaging tests are also used—either to follow up on the results of laryngoscopy or on their own.
Imaging and diagnostic tests we use at Valley ENT include:
Neck X-ray: A plain X-ray can help us identify if there are enlarged adenoids or identify if a foreign body has been swallowed and is stuck in the esophagus or trachea.
CT scan: A series of X-rays taken while the patient is holding still create more detailed images than a plain X-ray of the neck’s soft tissues and organs, including the throat, muscles, tonsils, adenoids, airways, thyroid, and other glands. The scan can also show the blood vessels and upper spinal cord. A CT scan gives us a better understanding of the throat’s anatomy in 3 dimensions.
Barium esophagram: A patient consumes a chalky liquid called barium, which coats the throat and esophagus. We take a series of X-rays while the patient swallows to help identify any problems. We may perform this test if you are having trouble swallowing.
Modified barium swallow: This test is done with a speech pathologist to identify problems with the mouth or upper throat area and to check which consistencies of food are safe to swallow without risk of aspiration when food goes down the wrong pipe.
MRI: A magnetic field and radio wave energy pulses create images of the neck’s organs and structures, including the throat, tongue, voice box, tonsils, and other areas.
Ultrasound: This test uses sound waves to create images of the throat and neck. Our providers commonly use it to evaluate thyroid nodules, lymph nodes, and other soft tissue structures.
PET-CT scan: This scan can help identify cancer that other scans may have missed. We often use it if cancer cells are in the neck’s lymph nodes, but the origin of the cancer is unknown or for staging purposes once cancer is diagnosed.
Videostroboscopy: A long, thin tube with a camera examines the vocal cords and voice box while the patient speaks. The video is recorded and displayed on a monitor.
An ENT doctor spends 4 years at college, 4 years at medical school, and then 5 to 7 years after that in a residency program specializing in otolaryngology — head and neck surgery. Our board-certified ENTs pass written and oral exams and participate in continuous education to maintain their certification. When you visit one of our Arizona locations, you can trust you're seeing one of the most qualified specialists in the region and that your care will be second to none.
What are the benefits of throat imaging tests?
Our ENT specialists use imaging tests for several reasons:
Accurate diagnosis: Imaging allows ENT specialists to visualize the internal structures of the throat and neck, leading to more accurate diagnoses. It is especially important for identifying tumors, infections, and other serious conditions.
Treatment planning: Detailed images help doctors plan surgical procedures and other treatments with precision. For example, knowing a tumor’s exact size and location can guide a surgeon in removing it completely while preserving healthy tissue.
Monitoring progress: Imaging can also monitor the effectiveness of treatments. For instance, follow-up scans can show whether a tumor is shrinking in response to chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
Minimally invasive: Techniques like ultrasound-guided biopsies allow for the accurate sampling of tissues with minimal discomfort to the patient. This can lead to quicker diagnoses and less invasive treatment options.
Being prepared will help you get the most out of your appointment. Please bring a list of medications you're currently taking and any pertinent test results—such as labs or imaging—to your appointment. Additionally, let your provider know of any drug allergies or medical conditions you have or for which you are being treated and if you've had any prior surgical procedures.
Visit Our ENT Specialists
Imaging evaluations are a cornerstone of our practice, providing essential insights into throat and neck health. Our team of ear, nose, and throat specialists at Valley ENT is committed to providing thorough, personalized care to diagnose and treat throat conditions and improve quality of life. If you or your child need a throat or neck examination, we encourage you to schedule an appointment for a comprehensive evaluation and treatment plan at one of our Arizona locations.