Radiology reports can feel like they're written in a foreign language. Terms like "unremarkable," "artifact," and "enhancement patterns" leave many patients confused about what their imaging results actually mean for their health.
This guide will help you understand the language radiologists use and what common findings in X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and ultrasounds really mean.
What You'll Learn
- • How to read the basic structure of radiology reports
- • Common radiologist terminology decoded
- • Understanding different imaging types (X-ray, CT, MRI, Ultrasound)
- • What "normal" vs "abnormal" findings mean
- • When to be concerned about imaging results
- • Questions to ask your doctor about your scans
Understanding Report Structure
Most radiology reports follow a standard format:
Clinical History
Why the scan was ordered and relevant symptoms
Technique
How the scan was performed, contrast used, etc.
Findings
Detailed description of what the radiologist sees
Impression
Summary and interpretation of the findings
Pro Tip: The "Impression" section is usually the most important part - it's where the radiologist summarizes their key findings and conclusions.
Common Radiology Terms Decoded
"Unremarkable" or "Within Normal Limits"
What it means: Normal, no concerning findings
Good news: This is what you want to see!
"Artifact"
What it means: Something on the image that's not real anatomy
Usually: Motion, metal implants, or technical issues
"Enhancement"
What it means: Area becomes brighter after contrast injection
Indicates: Increased blood flow or certain tissue types
"Lucency" or "Hypodense"
What it means: Darker area on the scan
Could indicate: Fluid, air, or less dense tissue
"Opacity" or "Hyperdense"
What it means: Brighter/whiter area on the scan
Could indicate: Dense tissue, calcium, or contrast material
"Mass" or "Lesion"
What it means: An abnormal area of tissue
Important: Doesn't automatically mean cancer
Understanding Different Imaging Types
X-Rays
Air/Gas
Appears black
Soft Tissue
Appears gray
Bone/Metal
Appears white
Best for: Bones, chest imaging, detecting fractures, pneumonia, or foreign objects.
CT Scans
What it shows: Detailed cross-sectional images of your body
With contrast: Can highlight blood vessels, organs, and abnormal areas
Best for: Emergency situations, cancer staging, detailed organ evaluation
MRI Scans
What it shows: Excellent soft tissue detail using magnetic fields
Different sequences: T1, T2, FLAIR - each highlights different tissues
Best for: Brain, spine, joints, and soft tissue evaluation
Ultrasound
What it shows: Real-time images using sound waves
Key terms: Echogenic (bright), Hypoechoic (dark), Anechoic (black)
Best for: Pregnancy, abdominal organs, heart, blood vessels
Common Findings Explained
Incidental Findings
Things found unexpectedly that weren't the reason for your scan. Often benign but may need follow-up. Examples: Small cysts, old fractures, benign nodules.
Degenerative Changes
Normal wear-and-tear changes that happen with age. Common in spine and joints. Examples: Arthritis, disc space narrowing, bone spurs.
Inflammatory Changes
Signs of inflammation or swelling in tissues. Can be acute (new) or chronic (long-term). Examples: Fluid collections, tissue swelling, increased blood flow.
Acute Findings
New or recent changes that may need immediate attention. Examples: Fresh fractures, new bleeding, acute infections.
Important Reminders
- • Radiologists are specialists trained to interpret these images
- • Context matters - findings are interpreted with your symptoms and history
- • Follow-up recommendations should always be discussed with your doctor
- • Not all findings require treatment - many are normal variations
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
- • What are the most important findings on my scan?
- • Do any findings explain my symptoms?
- • Do I need any follow-up imaging or tests?
- • Are there any findings I should be concerned about?
- • What do the recommendations in the report mean for my care?
- • Should I avoid any activities based on these results?