Nonspecific
Read Your Scan Editorial Team·Last updated
Written from published radiology references and reviewed for plain language. Not written or signed by a physician, and not a diagnosis. How we write these pages →
In plain language
Something is visible, but its appearance fits several different causes, so the picture on its own cannot say which. Common causes of a nonspecific finding are often harmless ones.
Where you’ll see this
Attached to a finding anywhere in the report — "nonspecific white matter changes", "nonspecific bowel gas pattern".
Your report may word it “Of uncertain significance” or “Indeterminate”. These mean the same thing.
Questions worth asking your doctor
- Does this wording mean you are unsure, or that you are reasonably confident and being careful?
- If something cannot be ruled out from this scan, what would rule it out?
- Is there anything here you would act on today?
Careful and hedged wording
See this word on your own scan
Upload your scan (de-identified in your browser) and your radiologist’s report, and every finding is mapped onto the images, explained in plain language and scored. Informational only — not a diagnosis.
Read Your Scan is informational only — not a medical diagnosis, and not a substitute for a licensed radiologist or your doctor. If you have urgent symptoms, seek care.