A head CT primarily images the brain and skull and may partially include the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. It can show bony nasal structures and sinus disease but often does not fully capture external nasal soft tissues or detailed nasal anatomy. For comprehensive evaluation of the nose, septum, cartilage, or facial bones, a dedicated CT of the face/sinuses is recommended.

A HRCT scan of the nose and paranasal sinuses is a high-resolution CT that produces detailed cross-sectional images of the nasal cavity and sinuses. It evaluates bone, air cells, mucosal disease, anatomical variants, sinusitis, polyps, tumors, and aids surgical planning. The test uses thin-slice imaging, usually without contrast, is quick and non-invasive, with low radiation exposure and minimal risks.

A high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scan provides detailed images of the lungs and airways to detect and characterize lung diseases such as interstitial lung disease, pulmonary fibrosis, bronchiectasis and emphysema. It assesses the extent and pattern of lung damage, identifies subtle abnormalities not seen on chest X-ray, helps guide diagnosis, monitor progression and treatment response, and aids management planning.

An ENT may order a CT scan to get detailed images of the sinuses, temporal bones and airway to diagnose chronic sinusitis, sinus or mastoid infections, cholesteatoma, inner-ear or facial fractures, tumors, congenital anomalies, CSF leaks or obstructive nasal anatomy. CT clarifies bone detail, disease extent and complications (orbital or intracranial spread) and guides surgical planning and intervention.

A routine head CT primarily images the brain and may include parts of the nasal bones, so it can detect obvious nasal fractures. However, head CT often uses thicker slices and a limited field of view, so it can miss subtle or complex nasal and facial fractures. For accurate assessment of a suspected broken nose, a dedicated maxillofacial or CT facial bones scan (or specialist exam) is preferred.

Yes. Tumors in the nasal cavity or sinuses (benign or malignant) can cause persistent sinus symptoms, including nasal blockage, drainage, facial pain or pressure, reduced smell, recurrent infections, unilateral symptoms, or nosebleeds. Nearby tumors may also mimic sinus problems. Red flags are one-sided symptoms, bleeding, vision changes, or lack of improvement with treatment—see your doctor or ENT for evaluation and imaging.