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Good Morning. I Have Had 4 CT Scans Between 2015
Question: Good morning. I have had 4 CT scans between 2015 and 2019 to keep an eye on a enlarged aortic root. On the second scan in 2016 and fourth scan in 2019 the following was noted on the results:
Thoracic inlet structures: Persistent lack of aeration of the left piriform sinus. The thyroid isthmus is thickened measuring 16 mm. The only difference in the finding between the two times this condition was noted was that the isthmus thickening was 14mm the first time.
I do have and have had for a long time, periods of throat clearing and strained voice etc. After the second scan in 2016 which was the initial time this condition was noted, I saw an ENT and he looked at my sinus's and down my throat with a scope. All the ENT saw was a little irritation and said he thought it was from reflux. He prescribed reflux medicine and i took it for a few months and not sure i saw any real difference. I did not go back to an ENT and have it looked at after the second time the isthmus / piriform sinus condition was noted on a CT scan.
My MD asked me about it on my last visit and I said i followed up after the first time it was noted but not the second. She stated that she was glad i followed up the first time around and regardless had it been anything serious it would have been a problem by now since it was over 3 years since it was first noted.
Could this be something concerning that I am not following up on? My sinus, throat clearing etc seem to be getting worse and more frequent? Why would it not be noted on the 1st and 3rd CT scans?
I would appreciate some direction.
Thoracic inlet structures: Persistent lack of aeration of the left piriform sinus. The thyroid isthmus is thickened measuring 16 mm. The only difference in the finding between the two times this condition was noted was that the isthmus thickening was 14mm the first time.
I do have and have had for a long time, periods of throat clearing and strained voice etc. After the second scan in 2016 which was the initial time this condition was noted, I saw an ENT and he looked at my sinus's and down my throat with a scope. All the ENT saw was a little irritation and said he thought it was from reflux. He prescribed reflux medicine and i took it for a few months and not sure i saw any real difference. I did not go back to an ENT and have it looked at after the second time the isthmus / piriform sinus condition was noted on a CT scan.
My MD asked me about it on my last visit and I said i followed up after the first time it was noted but not the second. She stated that she was glad i followed up the first time around and regardless had it been anything serious it would have been a problem by now since it was over 3 years since it was first noted.
Could this be something concerning that I am not following up on? My sinus, throat clearing etc seem to be getting worse and more frequent? Why would it not be noted on the 1st and 3rd CT scans?
I would appreciate some direction.
Brief Answer:
CT scan can detect any mass or lesion in larynx
Detailed Answer:
Welcome to the Ask A Doctor Service.
CT scan can detect any mass or lesion in the larynx. But of you are having chronic throat irritation then the best method to detect it is the endoscopy. If nothing can be seen in endoscopy then no need to worry. Chronic pharyngitis can get increased over time and so no need to worry about. If nothing can be seen in endoscopy then it's less likely to have anything in the neck. Larynx is not a smooth structure. Irregularities can be there and as it's a moving structure the shape of the surface changes over time. So you haven't missed anything. Drink more water, less coffee and tea. Take some antacid. Repeat endoscopy once a year.
Please review of you have any queries.
CT scan can detect any mass or lesion in larynx
Detailed Answer:
Welcome to the Ask A Doctor Service.
CT scan can detect any mass or lesion in the larynx. But of you are having chronic throat irritation then the best method to detect it is the endoscopy. If nothing can be seen in endoscopy then no need to worry. Chronic pharyngitis can get increased over time and so no need to worry about. If nothing can be seen in endoscopy then it's less likely to have anything in the neck. Larynx is not a smooth structure. Irregularities can be there and as it's a moving structure the shape of the surface changes over time. So you haven't missed anything. Drink more water, less coffee and tea. Take some antacid. Repeat endoscopy once a year.
Please review of you have any queries.
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Answered by
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