Report Phrase Library
Radiology report phrases explained in plain English
These pages explain wording people commonly copy directly from radiology reports into search engines. Each phrase page links back to the broader finding guide behind the term.
Use this hub when you have exact report wording and want a crawlable directory of phrase explanations grouped by body region rather than one long flat list.
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Understand Your Radiology Report
Paste your radiology report into RadDx and get a calm, plain-English explanation of what the wording may mean in context and what to ask next.
Educational only. RadDx helps explain report wording and does not replace clinician guidance.
Works with CT, MRI, ultrasound, and X-ray reports.
Priority finding guides behind common phrase searches
These broader finding pages are high-value next clicks from many report-phrase queries and help prevent the phrase library from becoming a dead end.
Adrenal Adenoma
An adrenal adenoma is a usually benign adrenal gland nodule often found incidentally.
Aortic Atherosclerosis
Aortic Atherosclerosis is an imaging finding patients often search after seeing technical report wording.
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, but the key question is usually whether the report is describing a routine incidental finding or a nodule that needs interval follow-up.
Abdomen report phrases
These pages decode common abdomen report phrases and link back to the finding guides behind the wording.
adrenal nodule
Adrenal Adenoma
"adrenal nodule" is exact report wording linked to adrenal adenoma. It points toward a broader finding, but it does not establish the whole story by itself. The wording is most useful when read with the rest of the report instead of as a stand-alone answer.
Cholelithiasis without evidence of acute cholecystitis.
Gallstones
"Cholelithiasis without evidence of acute cholecystitis." is exact report wording linked to gallstones. It points toward a broader finding, but it does not establish the whole story by itself. The wording can matter more quickly because severity, acuity, or compression language often changes follow-up.
Complex cystic lesion of the left kidney, further characterization recommended.
Kidney Cyst
"Complex cystic lesion of the left kidney, further characterization recommended." is exact report wording linked to kidney cyst. It points toward a broader finding, but it does not establish the whole story by itself. The wording usually means doctors still need context, prior imaging, or another step before they settle the interpretation.
Diffuse hepatic steatosis.
Hepatic Steatosis
"Diffuse hepatic steatosis." is exact report wording linked to hepatic steatosis. It points toward a broader finding, but it does not establish the whole story by itself. The wording is most useful when read with the rest of the report instead of as a stand-alone answer.
Enlarged spleen measuring 15 cm in length.
Splenomegaly
"Enlarged spleen measuring 15 cm in length." is exact report wording linked to splenomegaly. It points toward a broader finding, but it does not establish the whole story by itself. The wording is most useful when read with the rest of the report instead of as a stand-alone answer.
Gallstones within the gallbladder lumen.
Gallstones
"Gallstones within the gallbladder lumen." is exact report wording linked to gallstones. It points toward a broader finding, but it does not establish the whole story by itself. The wording is most useful when read with the rest of the report instead of as a stand-alone answer.
hepatic lesion
Liver Lesion
"hepatic lesion" is exact report wording linked to liver lesion. It points toward a broader finding, but it does not establish the whole story by itself. The wording usually means doctors still need context, prior imaging, or another step before they settle the interpretation.
hypodense liver lesion
Liver Lesion
"hypodense liver lesion" is exact report wording linked to liver lesion. It points toward a broader finding, but it does not establish the whole story by itself. The wording usually means doctors still need context, prior imaging, or another step before they settle the interpretation.
Indeterminate adrenal nodule, correlation with dedicated adrenal protocol recommended.
Adrenal Adenoma
"Indeterminate adrenal nodule, correlation with dedicated adrenal protocol recommended." is exact report wording linked to adrenal adenoma. It points toward a broader finding, but it does not establish the whole story by itself. The wording usually means doctors still need context, prior imaging, or another step before they settle the interpretation.
Indeterminate enhancing renal mass in the left kidney.
Renal Mass
"Indeterminate enhancing renal mass in the left kidney." is exact report wording linked to renal mass. It points toward a broader finding, but it does not establish the whole story by itself. The wording usually means doctors still need context, prior imaging, or another step before they settle the interpretation.
Indeterminate liver lesion in segment IV.
Liver Lesion
"Indeterminate liver lesion in segment IV." is exact report wording linked to liver lesion. It points toward a broader finding, but it does not establish the whole story by itself. The wording usually means doctors still need context, prior imaging, or another step before they settle the interpretation.
Left adrenal adenoma.
Adrenal Adenoma
"Left adrenal adenoma." is exact report wording linked to adrenal adenoma. It points toward a broader finding, but it does not establish the whole story by itself. The wording is most useful when read with the rest of the report instead of as a stand-alone answer.
mild diffuse hepatic steatosis
Hepatic Steatosis
"mild diffuse hepatic steatosis" is exact report wording linked to hepatic steatosis. It points toward a broader finding, but it does not establish the whole story by itself. The wording often sounds calmer when the report also says mild, incidental, or without a more urgent complication.
Mild fatty infiltration of the liver.
Hepatic Steatosis
"Mild fatty infiltration of the liver." is exact report wording linked to hepatic steatosis. It points toward a broader finding, but it does not establish the whole story by itself. The wording often sounds calmer when the report also says mild, incidental, or without a more urgent complication.
mild hepatic steatosis
Hepatic Steatosis
"mild hepatic steatosis" is exact report wording linked to hepatic steatosis. It points toward a broader finding, but it does not establish the whole story by itself. The wording often sounds calmer when the report also says mild, incidental, or without a more urgent complication.
Mild splenomegaly.
Splenomegaly
"Mild splenomegaly." is exact report wording linked to splenomegaly. It points toward a broader finding, but it does not establish the whole story by itself. The wording often sounds calmer when the report also says mild, incidental, or without a more urgent complication.
Pancreatic cyst with follow-up MRI recommended.
Pancreatic Cyst
"Pancreatic cyst with follow-up MRI recommended." is exact report wording linked to pancreatic cyst. It points toward a broader finding, but it does not establish the whole story by itself. The wording usually means doctors still need context, prior imaging, or another step before they settle the interpretation.
renal cyst
Kidney Cyst
"renal cyst" is exact report wording linked to kidney cyst. It points toward a broader finding, but it does not establish the whole story by itself. The wording is most useful when read with the rest of the report instead of as a stand-alone answer.
Scattered colonic diverticulosis without diverticulitis.
Diverticulosis
"Scattered colonic diverticulosis without diverticulitis." is exact report wording linked to diverticulosis. It points toward a broader finding, but it does not establish the whole story by itself. The wording often sounds calmer when the report also says mild, incidental, or without a more urgent complication.
Sigmoid diverticulosis noted incidentally.
Diverticulosis
"Sigmoid diverticulosis noted incidentally." is exact report wording linked to diverticulosis. It points toward a broader finding, but it does not establish the whole story by itself. The wording is most useful when read with the rest of the report instead of as a stand-alone answer.
simple renal cyst
Kidney Cyst
"simple renal cyst" is exact report wording linked to kidney cyst. It points toward a broader finding, but it does not establish the whole story by itself. The wording often sounds calmer when the report also says mild, incidental, or without a more urgent complication.
simple right renal cyst
Kidney Cyst
"simple right renal cyst" is exact report wording linked to kidney cyst. It points toward a broader finding, but it does not establish the whole story by itself. The wording often sounds calmer when the report also says mild, incidental, or without a more urgent complication.
Small hypodense hepatic lesion, too small to characterize.
Liver Lesion
"Small hypodense hepatic lesion, too small to characterize." is exact report wording linked to liver lesion. It points toward a broader finding, but it does not establish the whole story by itself. The wording usually means doctors still need context, prior imaging, or another step before they settle the interpretation.
small pancreatic cyst
Pancreatic Cyst
"small pancreatic cyst" is exact report wording linked to pancreatic cyst. It points toward a broader finding, but it does not establish the whole story by itself. The wording often sounds calmer when the report also says mild, incidental, or without a more urgent complication.
Small pancreatic cystic lesion in the body of the pancreas.
Pancreatic Cyst
"Small pancreatic cystic lesion in the body of the pancreas." is exact report wording linked to pancreatic cyst. It points toward a broader finding, but it does not establish the whole story by itself. The wording usually means doctors still need context, prior imaging, or another step before they settle the interpretation.
Solid right renal mass, further urologic evaluation recommended.
Renal Mass
"Solid right renal mass, further urologic evaluation recommended." is exact report wording linked to renal mass. It points toward a broader finding, but it does not establish the whole story by itself. The wording usually means doctors still need context, prior imaging, or another step before they settle the interpretation.
Brain report phrases
These pages decode common brain report phrases and link back to the finding guides behind the wording.
Enhancing lesion in the left frontal lobe.
Brain Lesion
"Enhancing lesion in the left frontal lobe." is exact report wording linked to brain lesion. It points toward a broader finding, but it does not establish the whole story by itself. The wording usually means doctors still need context, prior imaging, or another step before they settle the interpretation.
Nonspecific white matter lesion, clinical correlation recommended.
Brain Lesion
"Nonspecific white matter lesion, clinical correlation recommended." is exact report wording linked to brain lesion. It points toward a broader finding, but it does not establish the whole story by itself. The wording usually means doctors still need context, prior imaging, or another step before they settle the interpretation.
Chest report phrases
These pages decode common chest report phrases and link back to the finding guides behind the wording.
Acute pulmonary embolism in the right lower lobe pulmonary artery.
Pulmonary Embolism
"Acute pulmonary embolism in the right lower lobe pulmonary artery." is exact report wording linked to pulmonary embolism. It points toward a broader finding, but it does not establish the whole story by itself. The wording can matter more quickly because severity, acuity, or compression language often changes follow-up.
Findings compatible with pulmonary embolism with evidence of right heart strain.
Pulmonary Embolism
"Findings compatible with pulmonary embolism with evidence of right heart strain." is exact report wording linked to pulmonary embolism. It points toward a broader finding, but it does not establish the whole story by itself. The wording can matter more quickly because severity, acuity, or compression language often changes follow-up.
incidental pulmonary nodule
Lung Nodule
"incidental pulmonary nodule" is exact report wording linked to lung nodule. It points toward a broader finding, but it does not establish the whole story by itself. The wording often sounds calmer when the report also says mild, incidental, or without a more urgent complication.
Incidental solid pulmonary nodule, follow-up per risk guidelines.
Lung Nodule
"Incidental solid pulmonary nodule, follow-up per risk guidelines." is exact report wording linked to lung nodule. It points toward a broader finding, but it does not establish the whole story by itself. The wording usually means doctors still need context, prior imaging, or another step before they settle the interpretation.
Left basilar airspace opacity, correlate for pneumonia.
Lung Opacity
"Left basilar airspace opacity, correlate for pneumonia." is exact report wording linked to lung opacity. It points toward a broader finding, but it does not establish the whole story by itself. The wording is most useful when read with the rest of the report instead of as a stand-alone answer.
Moderate hiatal hernia noted incidentally.
Hiatal Hernia
"Moderate hiatal hernia noted incidentally." is exact report wording linked to hiatal hernia. It points toward a broader finding, but it does not establish the whole story by itself. The wording is most useful when read with the rest of the report instead of as a stand-alone answer.
Patchy ground-glass opacity in the right lower lobe.
Ground-Glass Opacity
"Patchy ground-glass opacity in the right lower lobe." is exact report wording linked to ground-glass opacity. It points toward a broader finding, but it does not establish the whole story by itself. The wording is most useful when read with the rest of the report instead of as a stand-alone answer.
Patchy right lower lobe opacity.
Lung Opacity
"Patchy right lower lobe opacity." is exact report wording linked to lung opacity. It points toward a broader finding, but it does not establish the whole story by itself. The wording is most useful when read with the rest of the report instead of as a stand-alone answer.
Persistent ground-glass nodule, interval follow-up recommended.
Ground-Glass Opacity
"Persistent ground-glass nodule, interval follow-up recommended." is exact report wording linked to ground-glass opacity. It points toward a broader finding, but it does not establish the whole story by itself. The wording usually means doctors still need context, prior imaging, or another step before they settle the interpretation.
Small 4 mm pulmonary nodule in the right upper lobe.
Lung Nodule
"Small 4 mm pulmonary nodule in the right upper lobe." is exact report wording linked to lung nodule. It points toward a broader finding, but it does not establish the whole story by itself. The wording often sounds calmer when the report also says mild, incidental, or without a more urgent complication.
Small hiatal hernia.
Hiatal Hernia
"Small hiatal hernia." is exact report wording linked to hiatal hernia. It points toward a broader finding, but it does not establish the whole story by itself. The wording often sounds calmer when the report also says mild, incidental, or without a more urgent complication.
Neck report phrases
These pages decode common neck report phrases and link back to the finding guides behind the wording.
solid thyroid nodule
Thyroid Nodule
"solid thyroid nodule" is exact report wording linked to thyroid nodule. It points toward a broader finding, but it does not establish the whole story by itself. The wording is most useful when read with the rest of the report instead of as a stand-alone answer.
Solid thyroid nodule in the right lobe.
Thyroid Nodule
"Solid thyroid nodule in the right lobe." is exact report wording linked to thyroid nodule. It points toward a broader finding, but it does not establish the whole story by itself. The wording is most useful when read with the rest of the report instead of as a stand-alone answer.
TI-RADS follow-up recommended for thyroid nodule.
Thyroid Nodule
"TI-RADS follow-up recommended for thyroid nodule." is exact report wording linked to thyroid nodule. It points toward a broader finding, but it does not establish the whole story by itself. The wording usually means doctors still need context, prior imaging, or another step before they settle the interpretation.
Pelvis report phrases
These pages decode common pelvis report phrases and link back to the finding guides behind the wording.
Complex adnexal cystic lesion, ultrasound follow-up recommended.
Ovarian Cyst
"Complex adnexal cystic lesion, ultrasound follow-up recommended." is exact report wording linked to ovarian cyst. It points toward a broader finding, but it does not establish the whole story by itself. The wording usually means doctors still need context, prior imaging, or another step before they settle the interpretation.
Simple left ovarian cyst.
Ovarian Cyst
"Simple left ovarian cyst." is exact report wording linked to ovarian cyst. It points toward a broader finding, but it does not establish the whole story by itself. The wording often sounds calmer when the report also says mild, incidental, or without a more urgent complication.
Spine report phrases
These pages decode common spine report phrases and link back to the finding guides behind the wording.
Broad-based disc bulge at L4-L5.
Disc Bulge
"Broad-based disc bulge at L4-L5." is exact report wording linked to disc bulge. It points toward a broader finding, but it does not establish the whole story by itself. The wording is most useful when read with the rest of the report instead of as a stand-alone answer.
Disc extrusion causing mass effect on the traversing nerve root.
Disc Herniation
"Disc extrusion causing mass effect on the traversing nerve root." is exact report wording linked to disc herniation. It points toward a broader finding, but it does not establish the whole story by itself. The wording usually means doctors still need context, prior imaging, or another step before they settle the interpretation.
Left paracentral disc herniation at L5-S1.
Disc Herniation
"Left paracentral disc herniation at L5-S1." is exact report wording linked to disc herniation. It points toward a broader finding, but it does not establish the whole story by itself. The wording is most useful when read with the rest of the report instead of as a stand-alone answer.
Mild posterior disc bulge without significant canal stenosis.
Disc Bulge
"Mild posterior disc bulge without significant canal stenosis." is exact report wording linked to disc bulge. It points toward a broader finding, but it does not establish the whole story by itself. The wording often sounds calmer when the report also says mild, incidental, or without a more urgent complication.
Moderate cervical degenerative disc change with disc space narrowing.
Degenerative Disc Disease
"Moderate cervical degenerative disc change with disc space narrowing." is exact report wording linked to degenerative disc disease. It points toward a broader finding, but it does not establish the whole story by itself. The wording is most useful when read with the rest of the report instead of as a stand-alone answer.
Moderate lumbar spinal stenosis at L4-L5.
Spinal Stenosis
"Moderate lumbar spinal stenosis at L4-L5." is exact report wording linked to spinal stenosis. It points toward a broader finding, but it does not establish the whole story by itself. The wording is most useful when read with the rest of the report instead of as a stand-alone answer.
Multilevel degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine.
Degenerative Disc Disease
"Multilevel degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine." is exact report wording linked to degenerative disc disease. It points toward a broader finding, but it does not establish the whole story by itself. The wording is most useful when read with the rest of the report instead of as a stand-alone answer.
Severe central canal stenosis with crowding of the cauda equina.
Spinal Stenosis
"Severe central canal stenosis with crowding of the cauda equina." is exact report wording linked to spinal stenosis. It points toward a broader finding, but it does not establish the whole story by itself. The wording can matter more quickly because severity, acuity, or compression language often changes follow-up.
Frequently asked questions
When should I use a report phrase page?
Use a phrase page when you want help decoding the exact wording copied from a radiology report. The linked finding page usually gives the broader explanation behind that phrase.
Are phrase pages enough on their own?
Usually no. Phrase pages are short translation pages, so they work best when paired with the parent finding guide and any related symptom context.
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