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What Does This CT Scan Report Of Neck Indicate?
Question: When having a ct neck scan it said " ossification structure projecting from inner table of the left frontal lobe which may represent calcified meningioma or rural calcification and calcification at the bifurcation of the carotid arteries. I had the test as a thyroid follow up test....I am so gripped in fear over this report. My gp didn't seem too concerned.
Brief Answer:
No reason to panic.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
I am a little surprised that a neck scan reached the frontal lobe, I assume they scanned the head as well.
Now regarding the calcification in the brain the report speaks of it being either a calcified meningeoma or a dural calcification.
A meningeoma is a benign tumor which grows very slowly over many years. It is easily removed through surgery but because it grows very slowly if at all, it is at times preferred to wait and follow its growth with imaging, removing it only if necessary. Apart from it being benign in general you have one other good indicator, the fact it's calcified. Calcified meningeoma often do not grow, so you probably won't need treatment at all only a follow up imaging in a year time to see if it has evolved.
The other option dural calcification is even more harmless, such calcifications are commonly found with aging, cause no symptoms and need no treatment.
So none of the possibilities is alarming.
The other finding, calcification at the carotid bifurcation. Some calcifications of this kind are often found in the elderly as well. This finding, while not alarming either, needs a little more probing into, as these calcifications may be in the setting of atherosclerotic plaques of the carotid arteries. Such plaques may be a source of stroke in the future.
So I think imaging of the carotid vessels is needed, by ultrasound, angiography CT or angio MRI. Such imaging will investigate whether there is narrowing of the carotid arteries lumen which needs treatment for the prevention of stroke.
I remain at your disposal for further questions.
No reason to panic.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
I am a little surprised that a neck scan reached the frontal lobe, I assume they scanned the head as well.
Now regarding the calcification in the brain the report speaks of it being either a calcified meningeoma or a dural calcification.
A meningeoma is a benign tumor which grows very slowly over many years. It is easily removed through surgery but because it grows very slowly if at all, it is at times preferred to wait and follow its growth with imaging, removing it only if necessary. Apart from it being benign in general you have one other good indicator, the fact it's calcified. Calcified meningeoma often do not grow, so you probably won't need treatment at all only a follow up imaging in a year time to see if it has evolved.
The other option dural calcification is even more harmless, such calcifications are commonly found with aging, cause no symptoms and need no treatment.
So none of the possibilities is alarming.
The other finding, calcification at the carotid bifurcation. Some calcifications of this kind are often found in the elderly as well. This finding, while not alarming either, needs a little more probing into, as these calcifications may be in the setting of atherosclerotic plaques of the carotid arteries. Such plaques may be a source of stroke in the future.
So I think imaging of the carotid vessels is needed, by ultrasound, angiography CT or angio MRI. Such imaging will investigate whether there is narrowing of the carotid arteries lumen which needs treatment for the prevention of stroke.
I remain at your disposal for further questions.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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