Radiology glossary

Chest findings, explained

Plain-English explainers for common chest imaging terms — pleural effusions, lung nodules, pneumonia, cardiomegaly, pulmonary edema, emphysema, and more — what they mean and what to ask your doctor.

• Pleural Effusion — What It Means on Your Report

  Pleural effusion means fluid around the lung. Plain-English explainer: X-ray signs, ultrasound's role, phrasing, and what your doctor might

• Pulmonary Nodule — What It Means on Your Report

  A pulmonary nodule is a small lung spot — most are harmless. Plain-English explainer: Fleischner follow-up, CT pitfalls, phrasing, and next

• Mass — What It Means on Your Report

  A 'mass' on a report means an abnormal area of tissue was seen — not a diagnosis. Plain-English explainer: what the word does and does not m

• Pneumonia — What It Means on Your Report

  Pneumonia on a report suggests a lung infection. Plain-English explainer: X-ray findings, mimics, phrasing, and what your doctor might do ne

• Atelectasis — What It Means on Your Report

  Atelectasis means part of the lung has partly deflated. Plain-English explainer: why it happens, X-ray signs, mimics, and when it matters.

• Cardiomegaly — What It Means on Your Report

  Cardiomegaly means the heart looks enlarged on imaging. Plain-English explainer: how X-ray measures it and questions for your doctor.

• Pulmonary Edema — What It Means on Your Report

  Pulmonary edema means fluid in the lungs' air spaces. Plain-English explainer: causes, how imaging shows it, and questions for your doctor.

• Emphysema — What It Means on Your Report

  Emphysema means damaged air sacs in the lungs, often from smoking. Plain-English explainer: how CT shows it and questions for your doctor.