Think Your Imaging Report Might Be Wrong? Here’s Why a Radiology Second Opinion Can Make All the Difference

If you've recently had an MRI, CT scan, or X-ray and something just doesn’t feel right, or your diagnosis doesn’t explain your symptoms, you’re not alone. Radiology misreads are more common than most people realize, and they can lead to delayed treatment, unnecessary procedures, or even missed serious conditions like cancer.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through some of the most commonly misdiagnosed conditions on imaging, the best scan types for each, and how getting a second opinion from a subspecialized radiologist through MDView can give you peace of mind, and the right path forward.

Most Commonly Misdiagnosed Conditions in Medical Imaging (And Which Scan Works Best)

1. Missed Fractures (Best Imaging: X-ray or MRI)

Hairline fractures, wrist fractures (like scaphoid), or tiny rib fractures can easily be overlooked—especially on standard X-rays. In growing children, normal bone development can even be misread as a fracture. When subtle findings are missed, you risk improper healing or prolonged pain.

Best for Diagnosis:
  • X-ray for initial assessment
  • MRI if X-ray is inconclusive or symptoms persist

2. Pulmonary Embolism (Best Imaging: CT Pulmonary Angiography - CTPA)

Blood clots in the lungs can be fatal if not caught early. Even with advanced imaging like CTPA, small emboli might be missed—or falsely diagnosed due to image artifacts.

3. Stroke (Best Imaging: MRI Brain or CT Head)

An early ischemic stroke may not show up clearly on a CT scan. Hemorrhagic strokes (bleeding in the brain) can also be subtle in early stages, leading to treatment delays.

MRI is more sensitive for small or early strokes. If you or a loved one has had a brain scan recently, it’s worth ensuring the interpretation is correct.

4. Lung Cancer (Best Imaging: CT Chest or Low-Dose CT)

Small nodules may look like infections or scar tissue on chest X-rays, especially if they’re deep in the lungs. Misinterpreting a lung nodule can delay a cancer diagnosis when early detection is key.

5. Herniated Discs and Spinal Conditions (Best Imaging: MRI Spine)

Back or neck pain often leads to imaging, but disc herniations or spinal stenosis are frequently missed or mischaracterized. Worse, spinal tumors or metastases can be confused with benign degenerative changes.

6. Abdominal Pain (Best Imaging: CT Abdomen & Pelvis or Ultrasound)

Appendicitis, ovarian torsion, or bowel ischemia can be confused with less urgent GI issues. A rushed or nonspecialist read of your CT abdomen/pelvis could miss red flags.

7. Breast Cancer (Best Imaging: Mammogram + Breast MRI for Dense Tissue)

Dense breast tissue can hide tumors on mammograms. On the flip side, benign changes may be mistaken for cancer, causing stress and unnecessary biopsies.

8. Aortic Dissection (Best Imaging: CT Angiogram Chest)

A tear in the aorta is a life-threatening emergency. Unfortunately, it can be misread as a normal variant or missed altogether on a fast-paced ER scan.

9. Infections Mistaken for Other Conditions (Best Imaging: MRI or CT Depending on Site)

Bone infections (osteomyelitis) may look like swelling. Lung infections can mimic tumors. A specialist’s eye can tell the difference between infection, inflammation, or malignancy.

10. Brain Tumors (Best Imaging: MRI Brain with Contrast)

Tiny or deep-seated brain tumors may not be visible on standard CT scans. Sometimes, stroke-related changes or even migraines can mimic tumor appearance.

How MDView Helps You Get It Right the Second Time

If your gut is telling you something’s off, or you want confirmation before undergoing surgery or starting treatment, MDView connects you with top-tier, subspecialized radiologists for a second opinion tailored to your specific imaging.

Subspecialist Review Based on Your Exact Imaging Type

Whether it’s MSK MRI, neuroimaging, body CT, or mammography, your scan will be reviewed by a radiologist who specializes in that area—not a generalist.

Avoid False Negatives and Unnecessary Treatments

MDView radiologists can spot subtle findings others may miss—or correct false alarms. That means fewer delays, fewer mistakes, and no unnecessary procedures.

Easy-to-Understand, Actionable Reports

You’ll receive a clear, detailed report that your doctor can use to adjust or confirm your treatment plan—fast.

No More Waiting Weeks

Get your expert second opinion in 72 hours or less, or upgrade to 24-hour turnaround. The faster you know, the faster you can act.

Peace of Mind for You and Your Family

Whether it confirms your original report or finds something new, a second opinion gives you confidence and clarity at a critical moment in your care.

Just Had a CT, MRI, or X-ray? Double-Check It with MDView

You only get one body, make sure your imaging was read right. Whether it’s to confirm a cancer diagnosis, avoid unnecessary back surgery, or make sure your fracture wasn’t missed, MDView is here to help.

🔹 Upload your scan now at: https://app.mdview.com
🔹 Don’t have access to your images? We’ll retrieve them from your imaging center for free. Just register for a free MDView account at https://app.mdview.com and click the Have MDView Get My Exam button to get started. 

Don't leave your health to chance. Get peace of mind from a radiology expert today.

Why a Second Radiology Opinion Could Change Your Diagnosis