CT Soft Tissue Neck - CAM 739

Description
High resolution CT can visualize both normal and pathologic anatomy of the neck. It is used in the evaluation of neck soft tissue masses, abscesses, and lymphadenopathy. For neck tumors, it defines the extent of the primary tumor and identifies lymph node spread. CT provides details about the larynx and cervical trachea and its pathology. Additional information regarding airway pathology is provided by three-dimensional images created from the CT dataset. Neck CT can also accurately depict and characterize tracheal stenoses.

With the rise of human papillomavirus-related oral, pharyngeal, and laryngeal cancers in adults, contrast-enhanced neck CT has become more important for the evaluation of a neck mass, deemed at risk for malignancy, surpassing ultrasound for the initial evaluation in many cases.

The American Academy of Otolaryngology — Head and Neck Surgery recently issued strong recommendations for neck CT or MRI, emphasizing the importance of a timely diagnosis.5

GENERAL INFORMATION

It is an expectation that all patients receive care/services from a licensed clinician. All appropriate supporting documentation, including recent pertinent office visit notes, laboratory data, and results of any special testing must be provided. If applicable: All prior relevant imaging results and the reason that alternative imaging cannot be performed must be included in the documentation submitted.

Where a specific clinical indication is not directly addressed in this guideline, medical necessity determination will be made based on widely accepted standard of care criteria. These criteria are supported by evidence-based or peer-reviewed sources such as medical literature, societal guidelines and state/national recommendations.

Policy

INDICATIONS FOR NECK CT1,2

Suspected tumor or cancer

  • Suspicious lesions in mouth or throat3
  • Suspicious mass/tumor found on another imaging study and needing clarification1
  • Neck mass or lymphadenopathy (not parotid region and not thyroid region):
    • Present on physical exam and remains non-diagnostic after ultrasound is completed3
    • Mass or abnormality found on other imaging study and needing further evaluation
    • Increased risk for malignancy4 with one or more of the following findings:5
      • Fixation to adjacent tissues
      • Firm consistency
      • Size > 1.5 cm
      • Ulceration of overlying skin
      • Mass present ≥ two weeks (or uncertain duration) without significant
      • fluctuation and not considered of infectious cause
      • History of cancer
    • Failed 2 weeks of treatment for suspected infectious adenopathy6
    • Pediatric (≤ 18 years old) considerations7
      • Ultrasound should be inconclusive or suspicious unless there is a history of malignancy8

Note: For discrete cystic lesions of the neck, an ultrasound should be performed as initial imaging unless there is a high suspicion of malignancy

  • Neck Mass (parotid region)1
    • Parotid mass found on other imaging study and needing further evaluation

Note: US is the initial imaging study of a parotid region mass to determine if the location is inside or outside the gland1,9,10

  • Neck Mass (thyroid region)2
    • Staging and monitoring for recurrence of known thyroid cancer2
    • To assess extent of thyroid tissue when other imaging suggests extension through the thoracic inlet into the mediastinum or concern for airway compression11,12

Note: US is the initial imaging study of a thyroid region mass. Biopsy is usually the next step. In the evaluation of known thyroid malignancy, CT is preferred over MRI since there is less respiratory motion artifact. Chest CT may be included for preoperative assessment in some cases.

Known or suspected deep space infections or abscesses of the pharynx or neck with signs or symptoms of infection13

Known tumor or cancer of skull base, tongue, larynx, nasopharynx, pharynx, or salivary glands14

  • Initial staging3
  • Restaging during treatment
  • Areas difficult to visualize on follow-up examination
  • Suspected recurrence or metastases based on symptoms or examination findings15
    • New mass
    • Change in lymph nodes

Indication for combination studies for the initial pre-therapy staging of cancer, OR active monitoring for recurrence as clinically indicated OR evaluation of suspected metastases

  • ≤ 5 concurrent studies to include CT or MRI of any of the following areas as appropriate depending on the cancer: neck, abdomen, pelvis, chest, brain, cervical spine, thoracic spine or lumbar spine

Pre-operative/procedural evaluation

  • Pre-operative evaluation for a planned surgery or procedure

Post-operative/procedural evaluation (e.g., post neck dissection)

  • A follow-up study may be needed to help evaluate a patient’s progress after treatment, procedure, intervention, or surgery. Documentation requires a medical reason that clearly indicates why additional imaging is needed for the type and area(s) requested.

Further evaluation of indeterminate findings on prior imaging (unless follow up is otherwise specified within the guideline):

  • For initial evaluation of an inconclusive finding on a prior imaging report that requires further clarification
  • One follow-up exam of a prior indeterminate MR/CT finding to ensure no suspicious interval change has occurred. (No further surveillance unless specified as highly suspicious or change was found on last follow-up exam)

Other indications for a neck CT

  • Sialadenitis (infection and inflammation of the salivary glands) with indeterminate ultrasound, bilateral symptoms or concern for abscess16
  • Suspected or known salivary gland stones10,16,17,18,19
  • To assess for foreign body when radiograph is inconclusive or negative20
  • Vocal cord lesions or vocal cord paralysis21
  • For evaluation of tracheal stenosis22,23
  • Dysphagia after appropriate work up including endoscopy and fluoroscopic studies (modified barium swallow, or biphasic Esophogram)24,25
  • Unexplained throat pain for more than 2 weeks when ordered by a specialist with all of the following26,27,28
    • Complete otolaryngologic exam and laryngoscopy
    • No signs of infection
    • Evaluation for and failed treatment of laryngopharyngeal reflux
    • Risk factor for malignancy, i.e., tobacco use, alcohol use, dysphagia, weight loss OR age older than 50 years
  • Unexplained ear pain when ordered by a specialist and MRI is contraindicated with all of the following29
    • Otoscopic exam, nasolaryngoscopy, lab evaluation (ESR, CBC) AND
    • Risk factor for malignancy, i.e., tobacco use, alcohol use, dysphagia, weight loss OR age older than 50 years
  • Diagnosed primary hyperparathyroidism when surgery is planned30
    • Previous nondiagnostic ultrasound or nuclear medicine scan31
    • Bell’s palsy/hemifacial spasm, if MRI is contraindicated or cannot be performed (for evaluation of the extracranial nerve course)
    • If atypical signs, slow resolution beyond three weeks, no improvement at four months, or facial twitching/spasms prior to onset32
  • Objective cranial nerve palsy (CN IX-XII) if MRI is contraindicated or cannot be performed (for evaluation of the extracranial nerve course)33,34
     

References 

  1. American College of Radiology. ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Neck Mass/Adenopathy. American College of Radiology. Updated 2018. Accessed January 22, 2023. https://acsearch.acr.org/docs/69504/Narrative/
  2. American College of Radiology. ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Thyroid Disease. American College of Radiology. Updated 2018. Accessed January 22, 2023. https://acsearch.acr.org/docs/3102386/Narrative/
  3. Kuno H, Onaya H, Fujii S, Ojiri H, Otani K, Satake M. Primary staging of laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer: CT, MR imaging and dual-energy CT. Eur J Radiol. Jan 2014;83(1):e23- 35. doi:10.1016/j.ejrad.2013.10.022
  4. Aulino JM, Kirsch CFE, Burns J, et al. ACR Appropriateness Criteria(®) Neck Mass-Adenopathy. J Am Coll Radiol. May 2019;16(5s):S150-s160. doi:10.1016/j.jacr.2019.02.025
  5. Pynnonen MA, Gillespie MB, Roman B, et al. Clinical Practice Guideline: Evaluation of the Neck Mass in Adults. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. Sep 2017;157(2_suppl):S1-s30. doi:10.1177/0194599817722550
  6. Haynes J, Arnold KR, Aguirre-Oskins C, Chandra S. Evaluation of neck masses in adults. Am Fam Physician. May 15 2015;91(10):698-706.
  7. Wai KC, Wang TJ, Lee E, Rosbe KW. Management of Persistent Pediatric Cervical Lymphadenopathy. Archives of Otorhinolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery (AOHNS). 2020;4(1):1. doi:10.24983/scitemed.aohns.2020.00121
  8. Brown RE, Harave S. Diagnostic imaging of benign and malignant neck masses in children-a pictorial review. Quant Imaging Med Surg. Oct 2016;6(5):591-604. doi:10.21037/qims.2016.10.10
  9. Burke CJ, Thomas RH, Howlett D. Imaging the major salivary glands. Br J Oral Maxillofac Surg. Jun 2011;49(4):261-9. doi:10.1016/j.bjoms.2010.03.002
  10. Cicero G, D'Angelo T, Racchiusa S, et al. Cross-sectional Imaging of Parotid Gland Nodules: A Brief Practical Guide. J Clin Imaging Sci. 2018;8:14. doi:10.4103/jcis.JCIS_8_18
  11. Gharib H, Papini E, Garber JR, et al. AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF CLINICAL ENDOCRINOLOGISTS, AMERICAN COLLEGE OF ENDOCRINOLOGY, AND ASSOCIAZIONE MEDICI ENDOCRINOLOGI MEDICAL GUIDELINES FOR CLINICAL PRACTICE FOR THE DIAGNOSIS AND MANAGEMENT OF THYROID NODULES--2016 UPDATE. Endocr Pract. May 2016;22(5):622-39. doi:10.4158/ep161208.Gl
  12. Lin YS, Wu HY, Lee CW, Hsu CC, Chao TC, Yu MC. Surgical management of substernal goitres at a tertiary referral centre: A retrospective cohort study of 2,104 patients. Int J Surg. Mar 2016;27:46-52. doi:10.1016/j.ijsu.2016.01.032
  13. Kauffmann P, Cordesmeyer R, Tröltzsch M, Sömmer C, Laskawi R. Deep neck infections: A single-center analysis of 63 cases. Med Oral Patol Oral Cir Bucal. Sep 1 2017;22(5):e536-e541. doi:10.4317/medoral.21799
  14. NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines): Head and Neck Cancers Version 1.2023. National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN). Updated December 20, 2022. Accessed March 24, 2023. https://www.nccn.org/professionals/physician_gls/pdf/head- and-neck.pdf
  1. Tshering Vogel DW, Thoeny HC. Cross-sectional imaging in cancers of the head and neck: how we review and report. Cancer Imaging. Aug 3 2016;16(1):20. doi:10.1186/s40644-016- 0075-3
  2. Abdel Razek AAK, Mukherji S. Imaging of sialadenitis. Neuroradiol J. Jun 2017;30(3):205-215. doi:10.1177/1971400916682752
  3. Gadodia A, Bhalla AS, Sharma R, Thakar A, Parshad R. Bilateral parotid swelling: a radiological review. Dentomaxillofac Radiol. 2011;40(7):403-414. doi:10.1259/dmfr/17889378
  4. Kalia V, Kalra G, Kaur S, Kapoor R. CT Scan as an Essential Tool in Diagnosis of Non- radiopaque Sialoliths. J Maxillofac Oral Surg. Mar 2015;14(Suppl 1):240-4. doi:10.1007/s12663- 012-0461-8
  5. Terraz S, Poletti PA, Dulguerov P, et al. How reliable is sonography in the assessment of sialolithiasis? AJR Am J Roentgenol. Jul 2013;201(1):W104-9. doi:10.2214/ajr.12.9383
  6. Guelfguat M, Kaplinskiy V, Reddy SH, DiPoce J. Clinical guidelines for imaging and reporting ingested foreign bodies. AJR Am J Roentgenol. Jul 2014;203(1):37-53. doi:10.2214/ajr.13.12185
  7. Dankbaar JW, Pameijer FA. Vocal cord paralysis: anatomy, imaging and pathology. Insights Imaging. Dec 2014;5(6):743-51. doi:10.1007/s13244-014-0364-y
  8. Chung JH, Kanne JP, Gilman MD. CT of diffuse tracheal diseases. AJR Am J Roentgenol. Mar 2011;196(3):W240-6. doi:10.2214/ajr.09.4146
  9. Heidinger BH, Occhipinti M, Eisenberg RL, Bankier AA. Imaging of Large Airways Disorders. AJR Am J Roentgenol. Jul 2015;205(1):41-56. doi:10.2214/ajr.14.13857
  10. American College of Radiology. ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Dysphagia. American College of Radiology. Updated 2018. Accessed January 22, 2023. https://acsearch.acr.org/docs/69471/Narrative/
  11. Pasha SF, Acosta RD, Chandrasekhara V, et al. The role of endoscopy in the evaluation and management of dysphagia. Gastrointest Endosc. Feb 2014;79(2):191-201. doi:10.1016/j.gie.2013.07.042
  12. Feierabend RH, Shahram MN. Hoarseness in adults. Am Fam Physician. Aug 15 2009;80(4):363-70.
  13. Jones D, Prowse S. Globus pharyngeus: an update for general practice. Br J Gen Pract. Oct 2015;65(639):554-5. doi:10.3399/bjgp15X687193
  14. Shephard EA, Parkinson MA, Hamilton WT. Recognising laryngeal cancer in primary care: a large case-control study using electronic records. Br J Gen Pract. Feb 2019;69(679):e127-e133. doi:10.3399/bjgp19X700997
  15. Earwood JS, Rogers TS, Rathjen NA. Ear Pain: Diagnosing Common and Uncommon Causes. Am Fam Physician. Jan 1 2018;97(1):20-27.
  16. Piciucchi S, Barone D, Gavelli G, Dubini A, Oboldi D, Matteuci F. Primary hyperparathyroidism: imaging to pathology. J Clin Imaging Sci. 2012;2:59. doi:10.4103/2156- 7514.102053
 
  1. Tian Y, Tanny ST, Einsiedel P, et al. Four-Dimensional Computed Tomography: Clinical Impact for Patients with Primary Hyperparathyroidism. Ann Surg Oncol. Jan 2018;25(1):117- 121. doi:10.1245/s10434-017-6115-9
  2. Quesnel AM, Lindsay RW, Hadlock TA. When the bell tolls on Bell's palsy: finding occult malignancy in acute-onset facial paralysis. Am J Otolaryngol. Sep-Oct 2010;31(5):339-42. doi:10.1016/j.amjoto.2009.04.003
  3. Mumtaz S, Jensen MB. Facial neuropathy with imaging enhancement of the facial nerve: a case report. Future Neurol. Nov 1 2014;9(6):571-576. doi:10.2217/fnl.14.55
  4. American College of Radiology. ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Cranial Neuropathy. American College of Radiology (ACR). Updated 2022. Accessed January 22, 2023. https://acsearch.acr.org/docs/69509/Narrative/

Coding Section 

Code Number Description
CPT 70490 Computed tomography, soft tissue neck; without contrast material
  70491 Computed tomography, soft tissue neck; with contrast material(s)
  70492 Computed tomography, soft tissue neck; without contrast material followed by contrast material(s) and further sections

Procedure and diagnosis codes on Medical Policy documents are included only as a general reference tool for each policy. They may not be all-inclusive. 

This medical policy was developed through consideration of peer-reviewed medical literature generally recognized by the relevant medical community, U.S. FDA approval status, nationally accepted standards of medical practice and accepted standards of medical practice in this community, Blue Cross Blue Shield Association technology assessment program (TEC) and other nonaffiliated technology evaluation centers, reference to federal regulations, other plan medical policies, and accredited national guidelines.

"Current Procedural Terminology © American Medical Association. All Rights Reserved" 

History From 2019 Forward     

11/17/2023 Annual review, adding language regarding indeteminate findings on prior imaging. Entire policy updated for consistency.
11/28/2022 Annual review, updating policy for specificity and clarity.

11/01/2021 

Annual review adding medical necessity criteria for lymphadenopathy, unexplained throat pain and unexplained ear pain. Also updating rationale and references. 

11/02/2020 

Annual review, updating policy verbiage for clarity, adding verbiage/clarity re: neck masses, pediatric patients with Bell's palsy, cranial nerve palsy. Also updating references. 

11/26/2019

New Policy

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