Neck Soft Tissue MRI

MRI of the soft tissues of the neck covering the pharynx, larynx, lymph nodes, thyroid bed, and salivary glands. Used for ENT, oncology, and endocrine indications.

The neck soft tissue MRI provides detailed imaging of the anatomical structures between the skull base and thoracic inlet, distinct from the cervical spine examination which focuses on vertebrae and the spinal cord. This study evaluates the pharyngeal and laryngeal walls, parotid and submandibular glands, thyroid and parathyroid beds, cervical lymph node chains, and the parapharyngeal and retropharyngeal spaces. The examination is most commonly requested by ENT specialists investigating masses, lymphadenopathy, or salivary gland pathology, and by oncologists for staging or surveillance of head and neck malignancies. Endocrine referrals for thyroid lesion characterisation are also served. The multi-sequence protocol typically includes T1 and T2-weighted images in axial and coronal planes, with fat suppression to improve lesion conspicuity. Contrast enhancement with gadolinium may be recommended by the radiologist for improved tumour delineation and is billed separately. Self-pay patients can book without a referral.