Differential Diagnosis
Differential diagnosis means the list of possible explanations doctors are considering for a finding or symptom.
When to get help quickly: The phrase itself is not urgent, but some of the conditions on the list may be serious, so urgency depends on the symptoms, examination, and the scan appearance.
Common symptoms
This is not a symptom itself. It is a way of saying that more than one condition could explain the problem seen on the scan or described by the patient.
When imaging helps
Imaging helps narrow the list by showing patterns, location, size, spread, and associated features that make some causes more likely than others.
What radiology does
Radiologists often give a differential diagnosis when a scan finding is not specific enough to point to only one explanation.
What usually happens next
The next step may include follow-up scans, blood tests, biopsy, treatment, or specialist review to confirm which explanation is correct.
Seen this on your report?
Your doctor or the radiologist who wrote it can tell you what it means for you.