Due to electronic medical records, it is not uncommon for patients to receive their radiological reports before their physicians do. The terms on results reports are often complex and advanced, as the reports are designed to be read by other providers.
However, it is natural for patients to want to understand their results as soon as they see them.
Below are terms you might see on a report following a CT-scan of the lungs. Note: This is not a complete list of everything that might be included. Also, not all radiology reports will have the same format. Always talk to your doctor to understand your specific results.
Selections from an Example Lung CT Scan Radiology Report
Examination: This section will explain which type of procedure was done and if it used contrast. Contrast refers to a special dye given to patients to help radiologists view particular structures of the body better on certain imaging tests. Typically lung cancer screening is performed using a low-dose CT (LDCT) scan without contrast.
Technique: This section will explain exactly how the procedure was performed.
Comparison: This section details any other imaging tests that have already been performed.
Findings: This section will explain anything that was found on the parts of the body that were scanned, including the lungs and airways. Nodules are common lung and airway findings. Nodules are described by their:
- Size: diameter in millimeters (mm) and volume in cubic millimeters (mm3)
- Location, which might include:
- The lungs: The right lung has three lobes (upper, middle and lower). The left lung has two (upper and lower) and an area called the lingula which is between the two left lobes.
- The area between the two lungs called the mediastinum.
- Lymph nodes which are bean shaped organs throughout the chest.
- The pleura which is the membrane lining the lungs and chest cavity. Juxtapleura refers to space near the pleura. Pleural effusion is a condition where too much fluid accumulates in the space between the lungs and chest cavity, known as the pleural space.
- The trachea (or windpipe) and bronchus (tubes branching off the windpipe), which are airways that may be referenced in results.
- Patterns of calcifications refers to deposits in the nodule. The type of pattern that appears in a nodule helps radiologists understand the possible cause of the nodule. Terms to describe the patterns include complete, central, popcorn or concentric rings. Findings will also note if the nodule contains fat.
- Density: Nodules can be described as solid (dense), nonsolid (fuzzy, often called ground-glass nodules) and part-solid (fuzzy but they have both solid and nonsolid (ground-glass) areas).
- Shape: The nodules might be described as smooth, bumpy or spiculated (spikey).
- Behavior: This refers to how the nodule has changed (if prior scans are available) and may be described as unchanged, new, growing or smaller.
Learn more about the characteristics of benign (non-cancerous) and malignant (cancerous) nodules.
Impression: This section is where the radiologist provides their interpretation and summary of the imaging findings.
Recommendation: This section is where you will find the physician’s recommendations for next steps. Examples of recommendations may include:
- Repeated imaging (either with a LDCT, PET/CT, chest CT with contrast or a chest X-ray)
- Repeated imaging in 3, 6 or 12 months.
- A biopsy (sometimes called tissue sampling)
Some reports will also provide a Lung–RADS score, which is a lung cancer screening tool that helps providers determine the most appropriate next-steps after a nodule is discovered through screening.
Your report may feature the words benign (not-cancerous) and malignant (cancerous). While the word malignant on a report may be frightening, know that there are many different lung cancer treatment options.
Radiological reports can be complex and overwhelming. As you review your results, write down any questions you have for your doctor. Being informed can help you take an active role in your care.
Page last updated: June 2, 2025
