About a soft tissue neck MRI scan
A soft tissue neck MRI looks at the structures in the front and sides of the neck rather than the bones of the spine. These include the lymph nodes (glands), the salivary glands (parotid and submandibular glands), the thyroid, the throat (pharynx), the voice box (larynx), the tongue base, and the muscles and blood vessels of the neck. It uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves, not X-rays.
The scan is most often used to find out more about a lump or swelling in the neck. Most neck lumps are swollen glands caused by an infection such as a cold or tonsillitis, and go down within 1–2 weeks. A lump that lasts, grows, or feels hard and fixed should be checked by a doctor, who may arrange an ultrasound scan first and then an MRI to show the lump and its surroundings in more detail. MRI is also used to look at salivary gland lumps, infections and abscesses, and to plan and follow up treatment for head and neck conditions.
If you have neck pain, arm pain or tingling from the spine, a cervical spine MRI is usually the right scan instead; to look at the arteries of the neck, see neck angiography. You can read more in our article on neck MRI.
What happens during the scan
You lie on your back on the scanner bed with a coil placed around your head and neck. The scanner is loud, so you will wear ear plugs or headphones, and the radiographer can talk to you throughout. Swallowing and moving your tongue can blur the pictures, so try to keep still and swallow only between scans; the radiographer will tell you when each scan starts and stops. An injection of contrast dye (gadolinium) into a vein in your arm is often used to show a lump more clearly; where contrast is needed, it is charged separately.
What the scan can show
A soft tissue neck MRI can help to look at:
- lumps and swellings in the neck, including enlarged lymph nodes
- the salivary glands, including lumps, stones and inflammation
- the throat, tongue base and voice box
- infections and abscesses in the neck
- cysts present from birth, such as branchial and thyroglossal cysts
- head and neck cancer, including planning and follow-up of treatment
The thyroid gland is usually checked first with an ultrasound scan. When to get urgent help: contact NHS 111 or get an urgent GP appointment if you have a swelling in your neck and find it very difficult to swallow or breathe.
Preparing for your scan
No special preparation is usually needed, and you can eat and drink normally. Avoid wearing necklaces or earrings. If you have had a previous ultrasound, CT scan or biopsy of the lump, upload the reports when you book. If contrast is likely, tell the centre if you have kidney problems or have had a reaction to contrast dye before.
You can usually eat, drink and take your normal medicines unless the scanning centre tells you otherwise. Wear loose, comfortable clothing without metal zips or buttons, and leave jewellery at home. You will be asked to remove metal items such as hair clips, hearing aids, coins and keys, and you may be asked to change into a gown.
Before the scan you will complete a safety questionnaire. Tell the team if you have a pacemaker, any metal implant, surgical clips or other device, if you have kidney problems or allergies, or if you are, or might be, pregnant or breastfeeding. If you feel anxious in enclosed spaces, let us know when you book. Some centres can offer a relaxant, and if you take one you will need someone to take you home and must not drive for 24 hours.
Frequently asked questions
I have a lump in my neck. Is it serious?
Most neck lumps are swollen glands caused by an infection and go down within a couple of weeks. See a GP if a lump lasts more than 2 weeks, keeps growing, or feels hard and does not move. An MRI can show what the lump is made of and what is around it.
Is this the same as a cervical spine MRI?
No. A cervical spine MRI looks at the bones, discs and nerves of the neck, for neck or arm pain. A soft tissue neck MRI looks at the glands, throat and other structures at the front and sides of the neck.
Can I swallow during the scan?
Try to swallow only in the gaps between scans, as swallowing moves the throat and can blur the pictures. The radiographer will tell you when each scan starts and finishes.
Do I need a referral?
You can tell us if you have a referral from your GP, physiotherapist or consultant and upload it when you book. If you do not have one, select “no referral” when you book and the scanning centre will confirm the next steps with you.
Sources
The information on this page has been gathered from various sources and is provided for general information only. It is not medical advice. TOP MRI is not liable for the accuracy or completeness of this information. Please speak to your doctor or the scanning centre about your own situation.