Radiology findings explained in plain English

Adrenal Adenoma

An adrenal adenoma is a usually benign adrenal gland nodule often found incidentally.

Diverticulosis

Diverticulosis means small pouches are present in the colon wall, often found incidentally on abdominal imaging.

Gallstones

Gallstones are solid deposits in the gallbladder seen on imaging.

Hepatic Steatosis

Hepatic steatosis means fat was seen in the liver on imaging.

Kidney Cyst

A kidney cyst is a fluid-filled sac in the kidney, often found incidentally.

Liver Lesion

Liver lesion is a broad term for a focal area in the liver that looks different from surrounding tissue.

Pancreatic Cyst

A pancreatic cyst is a fluid-containing lesion in the pancreas seen on imaging.

Renal Mass

A renal mass is a focal area in the kidney that looks different from surrounding tissue on imaging.

Splenomegaly

Splenomegaly means the spleen is enlarged on imaging.

Brain Lesion

Brain lesion is a broad term for an abnormal area seen in the brain on imaging.

Ground-Glass Opacity

Ground-glass opacity is a hazy area in the lung seen on CT that does not fully hide the lung structures underneath.

Hiatal Hernia

Hiatal hernia means part of the stomach extends upward through the diaphragm.

Lung Nodule

A lung nodule is a small spot in the lung, often found incidentally on chest CT.

Lung Opacity

Lung opacity is a broad radiology term for an area of increased density in the lung on imaging.

Pulmonary Embolism

Pulmonary embolism means a blood clot is seen in the arteries of the lungs.

Thyroid Nodule

A thyroid nodule is a focal lump or small area in the thyroid gland seen on imaging.

Ovarian Cyst

An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled structure in or on the ovary, commonly seen on pelvic imaging.

Degenerative Disc Disease

Degenerative disc disease means the spinal discs show age-related wear or dehydration on imaging.

Disc Bulge

Disc bulge means a spinal disc extends beyond its usual margin in a broad, generalized way.

Disc Herniation

Disc herniation means part of a spinal disc is bulging or displaced beyond its usual space.

Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis means the spinal canal is narrower than expected on imaging.

Chest Pain When Breathing: Why Imaging Might Be Used

Chest pain that worsens with breathing can raise concern for pleural irritation, lung-base inflammation, pulmonary embolism, or chest wall causes. Imaging helps narrow the possibilities when symptoms are concerning.

Flank Pain: Imaging Findings Doctors May Look For

Flank pain can reflect kidney, ureter, musculoskeletal, or referred abdominal causes. Imaging is used when stone disease, obstruction, infection, or another structural issue is suspected.

Left Rib Pain: Why Imaging May Be Ordered

Left rib pain can reflect chest wall strain, pleural irritation, lower lung findings, or upper abdominal structures near the rib cage. Imaging helps when symptoms do not fit a simple strain pattern.

Lower Back Pain: What Spine Imaging Findings May Mean

Lower back pain is common, and imaging findings often reflect degenerative or disc-related changes. Doctors order imaging selectively based on symptoms, neurologic signs, duration, and red-flag features.

Neck Pain: Cervical Spine Imaging Findings in Plain English

Neck pain can be muscular, degenerative, disc-related, or less commonly due to other structural causes. Imaging is usually reserved for persistent symptoms, neurologic findings, trauma, or red flags.

Pain Under the Left Rib: What Imaging Sometimes Looks For

Pain under the left rib can overlap with stomach, spleen, pancreas, lung-base, and chest wall causes. Imaging may help when symptoms persist or the clinical picture is unclear.

Pain Under the Right Rib: Imaging-Related Causes Doctors May Consider

Pain under the right rib can come from the gallbladder, liver, chest wall, lung, or nearby abdominal structures. Imaging is used to clarify cause when symptoms, exam findings, or lab tests raise concern.

Pelvic Pain: Imaging Findings That May Show Up on Reports

Pelvic pain can overlap with gynecologic, urinary, gastrointestinal, and musculoskeletal causes. Imaging helps when clinicians need structural clues from pelvic ultrasound, CT, or MRI.