Lung Opacity

Lung opacity is a descriptive imaging term. It means part of the lung looks denser than expected. The cause can range from infection or atelectatic change to fluid, inflammation, scarring, or another lung process, so the surrounding report details matter more than the word opacity alone.

Also seen as: pulmonary opacity, airspace opacity.

Opacity is one of the most common descriptive terms in chest imaging reports.

• Pneumonia or infection
• Atelectatic change
• Pleural or inflammatory process
• Mass-like or persistent lung abnormality

• The opacity is new and extensive
• The report describes a mass-like pattern or progressive change
• There are significant breathing symptoms or low oxygen levels

• Interpret the pattern together with symptoms and exam
• Repeat chest imaging if needed to document clearing
• Use CT in selected cases when plain films are indeterminate

• Patchy right lower lobe opacity.

  See phrase explanation

• Left basilar airspace opacity, correlate for pneumonia.

  See phrase explanation

These educational symptom pages explain search-intent questions that often overlap with this finding.

Educational information only. Always consult your clinician for medical advice.

This page is educational only and should be used to understand report language, not to diagnose a condition or replace clinician review.