One of the most confusing parts of CT scan results and MRI results is the phrase: “incidental findings”
Patients often search:
- incidental findings CT scan meaning
- incidentaloma meaning
- indeterminate lesion MRI
- what does incidental finding mean on CT
- should I worry about incidental findings
If you’ve seen this in your radiology report, you’re not alone. Incidental findings are extremely common and are one of the main reasons patients feel anxious or uncertain after imaging.
What are incidental findings?
An incidental finding is something discovered on a CT scan or MRI that is not related to the reason the test was ordered.
For example:
- A CT scan for abdominal pain may reveal a small liver lesion
- A chest CT may show a lung nodule unrelated to your symptoms
- A spine MRI may include mention of kidney cysts
These findings are sometimes referred to as:
- incidentalomas
- unexpected findings on imaging
They are extremely common in modern radiology.
Why incidental findings are so common now
Advances in imaging technology have dramatically increased the level of detail radiologists can see.
Modern CT and MRI scans:
- detect very small abnormalities
- provide high-resolution cross-sectional images
- capture findings that were previously invisible
As a result:
- more findings are reported
- more follow-up recommendations are made
- more patients are left trying to interpret unexpected results
Importantly, this does not mean more disease is occurring. It means we are better at detecting normal variations and benign conditions.
Common incidental findings by organ
Liver (Incidental Liver Lesions)
Liver lesions are among the most common incidental findings on abdominal CT and MRI scans.
MRI and CT reports may describe:
- “hypodense liver lesion”
- “T2 hyperintense lesion”
- “likely cyst or hemangioma”
Most incidental liver lesions are:
- benign
- stable over time
- not clinically significant
Some may be followed with repeat imaging to confirm stability.
Kidneys (Renal Cysts and Lesions)
Kidney cysts are extremely common and often found incidentally.
Reports may include:
- “simple renal cyst”
- “Bosniak classification cyst”
- “low-density renal lesion”
Simple cysts are:
- fluid-filled
- benign
- not dangerous
More complex cysts may be monitored depending on their imaging characteristics.
Adrenal Glands (Adrenal Incidentalomas)
Adrenal nodules, or adrenal incidentalomas, are frequently seen on CT scans.
Reports may describe:
- “adrenal mass”
- “low-attenuation adrenal nodule”
- “likely benign adenoma”
Most are:
- benign
- non-functioning
In some cases, additional testing may be recommended to evaluate size or hormone activity.
Lungs (Pulmonary Nodules)
Lung nodules are one of the most commonly searched incidental findings.
Reports may include:
- “pulmonary nodule”
- “subcentimeter nodule”
- “ground-glass opacity”
Most small nodules are:
- benign
- related to prior infection or inflammation
Follow-up imaging is often used to confirm stability.
Also read: Lung nodule on CT scan: what it means and when to worry
What does “indeterminate lesion” mean?
One of the most misunderstood terms in MRI and CT reports is: “indeterminate lesion”
This does not mean something dangerous. It means:
- the finding is not clearly benign
- but also not clearly concerning
- additional context or follow-up is needed
Radiologists use this term when:
- imaging features are not definitive
- prior imaging is not available for comparison
- monitoring is the safest next step
In many cases, indeterminate lesions remain stable and are ultimately benign.
Why follow-up imaging is often recommended
Follow-up imaging is a standard part of managing incidental findings.
This may include:
- repeat CT scans
- follow-up MRI
- imaging at 3, 6, or 12 months
The goal is to assess:
- stability over time
- lack of growth or change
A stable finding is one of the strongest indicators that it is benign.
When incidental findings may need closer evaluation
While most incidental findings are not serious, further evaluation may be recommended if:
- the lesion is larger or atypical
- it shows growth over time
- it has irregular or complex features
- it is associated with symptoms or abnormal labs
Even in these situations, it does not mean something dangerous is present. It means more information is needed to guide next steps.
Why incidental findings cause so much anxiety
Incidental findings create uncertainty because they are:
- unexpected
- unrelated to your symptoms
- described in technical language
Patients often ask:
- Is this serious?
- Why wasn’t this explained clearly?
- Do I need treatment?
Radiology reports are designed to document findings, not fully explain them in patient-friendly terms.
What to do if your CT or MRI report mentions incidental findings
If your report includes incidental findings:
- Review the findings with your physician
- Ask whether they are clinically significant
- Clarify if follow-up imaging is needed
- Avoid assuming worst-case scenarios
Most importantly:
many incidental findings require monitoring, not treatment
Radiology second opinion reports deliver clarity
If your CT scan results or MRI results include incidental findings and you’re unsure what they mean, a second opinion can help you avoid unnecessary stress, repeat imaging, or procedures.
Upload your exam to https://app.mdview.com today and get a clear, subspecialty radiologist review. . You will have the opportunity to provide the radiologist with details on your condition and your concerns, see the matching eligible body imaging radiologists, and submit for a fast, expert second opinion report. Don't have your exam? No problem! MDView can get it on your behalf at no cost to you! Just click Have MDView Get My Exam within your MDView account.
Read more about understanding MRI and CT results here:
They Found Something on My MRI: What It Means and What to Do Next
White Matter Changes on Brain MRI: What They Mean and When to Be Concerned
Disc Bulge on MRI: What It Really Means (And Why It’s Often Not as Serious as It Sounds)
Lung Nodule on CT Scan: What It Means and When to Worry