You went in for imaging because of abdominal pain, digestive issues, or something like diverticulitis.
Then you read your report and saw the words:
“Incidental liver lesion”
“Indeterminate finding”
“Likely benign, recommend follow-up”
Suddenly, the original reason for your scan doesn’t matter anymore.
Your mind jumps to one question:
Is this cancer?
You’re not alone and this is one of the most common and misunderstood imaging findings patients face.
What Is an “Incidental Liver Lesion”?
An incidental liver lesion is a finding seen on imaging that was not related to why the scan was ordered.
These lesions are extremely common and are often discovered during CT scans done for:
- Abdominal pain
- Diverticulitis
- Appendicitis evaluation
- Kidney stones
- GI symptoms
Most are benign.
The problem is, how they are reported and explained typically causes more panic than reassurance.
Common Types of Liver Lesions Seen on Imaging
Radiology reports often use vague or technical language. Here’s what may actually be behind it:
- Simple cysts – Fluid-filled and benign
- Hemangiomas – Common benign blood vessel tumors
- Focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) – Benign growth, often in women
- Fat-related changes – Common with metabolic conditions
- Indeterminate lesions – Can’t be confidently classified on that scan
That last category is where anxiety lives.
Why Liver Lesions Are Often Called “Indeterminate”
CT scans done for abdominal pain are not optimized for liver characterization.
That means:
- Timing of contrast may not be ideal
- Slice thickness may limit detail
- Subtle enhancement patterns can be missed
As a result, radiologists may hedge with language like:
- “Too small to characterize”
- “Probably benign”
- “Recommend MRI for further evaluation”
From a medical perspective, that’s cautious.
From a patient perspective, it’s terrifying.
When Should a Liver Lesion Be Looked at More Closely?
A second opinion from a subspecialized body imaging radiologist is especially valuable if:
- You were told to “just follow it” but don’t feel reassured
- You have a history of cancer or liver disease
- The report uses uncertain language
- Different doctors gave you different explanations
- You’re facing weeks or months of waiting for repeat imaging
In many cases, an expert review of the existing images can provide clarity without additional testing.
Why Subspecialty Radiology Matters for Liver Findings
Not all radiologists interpret liver imaging the same way.
Body Imaging specialists:
- Recognize subtle enhancement patterns
- Distinguish benign from concerning lesions more confidently
- Reduce unnecessary follow-up scans and biopsies
- Provide clearer, more decisive reporting
That expertise can mean the difference between:
- Months of anxiety
- Or peace of mind within days
What a Radiology Second Opinion Can (and Can’t) Do
A second opinion:
- Reviews the actual images and not just the report
- Provides an independent expert interpretation
- Clarifies uncertainty and next steps
A second opinion does not:
- Replace your doctor
- Make a diagnosis without imaging evidence
- Automatically mean something was missed
It simply ensures your imaging has been reviewed by the right specialist.
When Peace of Mind Matters
Hearing “it’s probably nothing” isn’t the same as knowing.
If your imaging report left you confused, worried, or stuck waiting, you deserve clarity.
MDView connects patients with board-certified, subspecialized radiologists for fast, expert second opinions on CT and MRI scans. A board-certified body imaging subspecialized radiologist can review your exam's images carefully, read your answers to questions to provide them context on your history and concerns, and provide you with a report that you can be assured was done with care and expertise. Uncertainty shouldn’t be part of your diagnosis.
To get peace of mind today, upload your exam to https://app.mdview.com to be connected with a radiologist who specializes in your exact exam. Don't have your exam to upload? No problem! MDView can get your exam on your behalf at no cost to you! Most hospitals and imaging centers send exams to MDView electronically, typically within 2 business days!
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