What to do with neck adenopathy?
Summary:  
Adult, afebrile, single or multiple node(s) =  CT neck with contrast (or MRI neck with contrast,  if needed*)
Adult, febrile, single node =  CT neck with contrast (or MRI neck with contrast,  if needed*)
Adult pulsatile neck mass = CTA and CT neck with contrast (or MRI neck with contrast,  if needed*)
Adult with cancer history and nodes = Neck PET and CT with contrast
Child (up to age 14), afebrile or febrile, single or multiple node(s) = Neck ultrasound (Then CT neck with contrast (or MRI neck with contrast,  if needed*))

* This decision is usually based on renal function and contrast reactions 
As always, please refer to the source Appropriateness Criteria created by the American College of Radiology, here.
Educational purposes for licensed providers.

Note to Patients:

Radiology is a very large and ever changing field and this post is to help your provider.  When combined with a thorough history and physical exam, this information can be very useful.  Your provider is best suited to answer specific questions regarding this post.

A provider is usually a Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant or Medical Doctor.

Of course, this is not a substitute for medical care.

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