When ‘Unremarkable’ is a Good Thing: Decoding Radiology Lingo

Daniel Hofstedt

Dec 01, 2024

What Does “Unremarkable” Mean in a Radiology Report?

So, you’ve just read your radiology report, you see the word “unremarkable,” sometimes multiple times throughout the report. You might wonder: Is this good, bad, or something else entirely? The short answer? It’s good. Let’s break it down.

In radiologist lingo, “unremarkable” is a common way of saying “normal.” If your radiologist describes your liver, brain, lungs, or anything else as “unremarkable,” it means they didn’t spot anything unusual or concerning in the images. In other words, everything looks just as it should on this type of imaging study. 

Why Not Just Say “Normal”?

Great question. Many radiologists do use “normal” in their reports, expressing normality with a high level of confidence. It’s clear, straightforward, and powerfully reassuring. Others, however, prefer “unremarkable” because it’s a little more specific with regard to the purpose and limits of an imaging study. “Unremarkable” means there’s nothing worth noting in the imaging findings. It avoids implying that imaging alone can fully determine health, as some abnormalities might not show up on imaging studies .

For instance, if a patient has a functional issue—something that doesn’t change the appearance of tissues on an image—it wouldn’t show up on imaging as abnormal. “Unremarkable” communicates that the imaging looks fine without overstepping into areas outside its scope.

Other synonymous phrases you might encounter include:

• “Within normal limits”

• “No significant abnormality”

• “Negative for pathology”

All these terms mean that, based on the imaging, there’s nothing to worry about.

Why Do Radiologists Choose Different Words?

The choice of words often comes down to personal preference and professional training. Some radiologists are more comfortable sticking with the tried-and-true “normal.” Others feel that “normal” is overly  certain within the limits of imaging and lean on “unremarkable” which sounds less certain, takes into account the limitations of imaging modalities.

What Does This Mean for You?

If your radiology report says “unremarkable,” it’s reassuring—your imaging study didn’t reveal anything concerning. That said, it’s crucial to discuss the findings with your ordering provider.

Your radiologist’s job is to interpret the images and describe what they see—or in this case, what they don’t see. However, your ordering provider is the one who knows your full medical history, symptoms, and clinical context. They’re the best person to explain what the report means for you personally and to make any necessary recommendations for next steps.

Radiology reports are a tool, not the whole picture. Your healthcare provider ties it all together to ensure you’re getting the best care.