CT scan on two masses in neck. CT results included below.

Posted by texascattledog @texascattledog, Aug 19 4:00pm

Can some please help and explain what I’m looking at here? I haven’t spoken with a doctor, only a receptionist.
Here are the CT scan results. Is it potentially serious? Thanks in advance.
CT SOFT TISSUE NECK W CONTRAST
Collected on August 11, 2024 7:34 AM
Results
Impression
IMPRESSION: 2 similar-appearing enhancing masses versus enlarged lymph nodes are noted with one in the right submandibular zone with mass effect on the anterior right submandibular gland. The other similar mass is cephalad and posterior to this along the anterior border of the right sternocleidomastoid muscle. Both masses show peripheral enhancement and in some foci of internal enhancement as well as internal calcification. Malignancy is high in the differential considerations and tissue sampling and/or ENT consultation may be needed.
Narrative
DICTATING PHYSICIAN: Dan F. Kreider M.D. - Central Illinois Radiological Associates EXAM: CT SOFT TISSUE NECK W CONTRAST 8/11/2024 6:34 AM HISTORY: Palpable mass right submandibular region COMPARISON: None TECHNIQUE: A BB marker was placed on the skin at the site of the palpable abnormality. 75 mL of Isovue-300 were given intravenously. Postcontrast CT axial imaging was performed from above the skull base to the low neck/upper mediastinum. Multiplanar 2-D sagittal and coronal CT reformats were generated on a separate PACS workstation. Utilization of dose lowering techniques was performed to include automated exposure control, adjustment of the mA and/or kV according to patient size, and use of the iterative reconstruction technique. FINDINGS: The palpable lump corresponds to an mass in the right submandibular soft tissues. The mass has peripheral rim enhancement as well as small internal foci of enhancement. The lesion measures 23 x 22 x 22 mm. This has mass effect on the anterior right submandibular gland but does not appear to be arising from it. Cephalad and posterior to this, there is a similar enhancing mass anterior to the right sternocleidomastoid muscle. There is loss of the fat plane between the anterior muscle and the mass although direct invasion is not a certainty. This mass measures 30 x 22 x 15 mm. Some of the internal hyperdense foci in this mass likely represent calcification this has mass effect on the posterior right submandibular gland. Small shotty lymph nodes are seen elsewhere in the neck bilaterally. No upper mediastinal adenopathy is seen. There is adenoid hypertrophy.

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Welcome to Connect @texascattledog. I have head and neck cancer and am a veterinarian so I can help you with the jargon. Most of the report is about location and description of the lumps. The radiologist found that your masses are highly suggestive of cancerous tumors. CT Scans cannot diagnose cancer but they do give enough information about the anatomy of the lump to say what should be high on the list of differentials. He said that your next step is to contact an Ear, Nose, and throat doctor so that a biopsy can be taken and a diagnosis made. Then you can make the plan for treatment. My advice after 12 years of the cancer journey is to educate yourself by reading so that you can advocate for your best medical care. That may mean travel to a large medical center for your care. The next step is yours to keep calling until you get to speak with your doctor and get a referral for biopsy. Don’t wait for them to call you. “ The squeaky wheel gets the grease” is appropriate here. Do you have family members to help you get this issue resolved?

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@sepdvm

Welcome to Connect @texascattledog. I have head and neck cancer and am a veterinarian so I can help you with the jargon. Most of the report is about location and description of the lumps. The radiologist found that your masses are highly suggestive of cancerous tumors. CT Scans cannot diagnose cancer but they do give enough information about the anatomy of the lump to say what should be high on the list of differentials. He said that your next step is to contact an Ear, Nose, and throat doctor so that a biopsy can be taken and a diagnosis made. Then you can make the plan for treatment. My advice after 12 years of the cancer journey is to educate yourself by reading so that you can advocate for your best medical care. That may mean travel to a large medical center for your care. The next step is yours to keep calling until you get to speak with your doctor and get a referral for biopsy. Don’t wait for them to call you. “ The squeaky wheel gets the grease” is appropriate here. Do you have family members to help you get this issue resolved?

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Thank you Sue,
Very much appreciated words of wisdom.
Prayers from me to you and yours.
Thank you.
🙏

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