Glossary of Common Terms

Glossary of Common Terms

When you are going through testing or waiting for answers, it can feel like everyone is speaking a different language. This can add stress to an already difficult time. This glossary explains common terms in plain language. You do not need to memorize any of this. It is simply here as a tool you can return to whenever something unfamiliar comes up.

How to Use This Glossary

• Look up words you hear during appointments or see in your records.
• Bring questions to your next visit.
• If something sounds scary, pause before assuming the worst. 
• It is always okay to ask for plain language.

Diagnostic Terms

Abnormal finding: Something on an exam, scan, lab test, or biopsy that is not considered typical or expected. An abnormal finding does not always mean cancer.

Benign: Not cancer. A benign growth or result does not spread the way cancer does.

Biopsy: A procedure that removes a small sample of tissue or cells so it can be looked at more closely under a microscope.

Diagnosis: The name for the condition a person has, based on testing and evaluation.

Differential diagnosis: A list of possible explanations for a symptom or abnormal result. Doctors often consider several possibilities before reaching a final answer.

Incidental finding: Something unexpected seen on a scan or test that was done for another reason. Sometimes these findings are harmless, but they may need more evaluation.

Lesion: A general word for an area of tissue that looks different from normal. A lesion can be caused by many things, including inflammation, infection, or cancer.

Malignant: Cancerous. Malignant cells can grow out of control and may spread to other parts of the body.

Mass: A lump or area of tissue that looks different from surrounding tissue. A mass may be benign or malignant.

Nodule: A small lump or growth. Nodules can be found in places like the lung, thyroid, breast, or skin. Many nodules are not cancer.

Pathology: The part of medicine that studies tissue, cells, and body fluids to help make a diagnosis.

Pathologist: A doctor who examines tissue, cells, and lab samples to help determine what is going on.

Primary care provider (PCP): A general medical provider, such as a family doctor, internist, pediatrician, or nurse practitioner, who helps coordinate overall care.

Referral: When one provider sends you to another provider or specialist for further evaluation or treatment.

Screening test: A test done to look for signs of disease before symptoms appear. Screening is different from diagnostic testing, which is done to investigate a symptom or abnormal finding.

Second opinion: When another doctor reviews your case and gives their opinion about the diagnosis or next steps. This is common and can be helpful.

Specialist: A doctor with advanced training in a certain area of medicine, such as radiology, pulmonology, gastroenterology, surgery, or oncology.

Workup: The process of gathering information to understand a possible health problem. A workup may include visits, imaging, labs, and procedures.

Imaging Language

CT scan (computed tomography): A type of imaging that uses X-rays and computer technology to create detailed pictures of the inside of the body.

Contrast: A liquid substance usually given by mouth or IV to help certain organs, blood vessels, or tissues show up more clearly on imaging.

Diagnostic mammogram: A more detailed breast X-ray used to evaluate a specific concern, such as a lump, pain, or an abnormal screening mammogram.

Imaging: Pictures of the inside of the body made using tests like X-rays, ultrasound, CT, MRI, mammogram, or PET scan.

Interventional radiology: A medical specialty in which doctors use real-time imaging, such as ultrasound, CT, X-ray, or MRI guidance, to perform minimally invasive procedures through the skin, such as certain biopsies or drain placements.

MRI (magnetic resonance imaging): A scan that uses magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of the body. It does not use X-ray radiation.

PET scan (positron emission tomography): A scan that looks at how tissues in the body are using sugar or energy. It can help show areas that may need more evaluation.

Radiologist: A doctor who reads and interprets imaging tests.

Screening mammogram: A routine breast X-ray used to look for signs of breast cancer in people without symptoms.

Tissue sample: The piece of tissue removed during a biopsy so it can be studied.

Ultrasound: A test that uses sound waves to create pictures inside the body. It is often used to look at soft tissues and guide biopsies.

X-ray: An imaging test that uses a small amount of radiation to create pictures of structures inside the body.

Biopsy Terms

Core needle biopsy: A biopsy that uses a hollow needle to remove small cylinders of tissue.

Fine needle aspiration (FNA): A procedure that uses a very thin needle to remove cells or fluid for testing.

Image-guided biopsy: A biopsy done with the help of imaging, such as ultrasound, CT, or mammography, to guide the needle to the right place.

Sample adequate / insufficient sample: This describes whether enough tissue or cells were collected to make a diagnosis. Sometimes a biopsy has to be repeated if the sample is too small or unclear.

Sedation: Medicine given to help you relax or feel sleepy during a procedure. Some biopsies do not require sedation.

Results Language

Inconclusive: A result that does not give a clear answer. More testing may be needed.

Negative result: A result that did not find what it was designed to look for. For example, a negative infection test may mean no germ was detected, and a negative biopsy may mean no cancer cells were seen in the sample. A negative result can be reassuring, but it does not always rule something out completely. Sometimes more testing or follow-up is still needed depending on the situation.

Positive result: A result that found the thing the test was looking for. For example, a positive infection test may mean a germ was detected, while a positive biopsy may mean abnormal or cancerous cells were found. “Positive” does not always mean good or bad on its own. The meaning depends on which test was done.

Preliminary result: An early result that may be updated when more information is available.

Suspicious: A finding that raises concern and needs more evaluation, but is not yet a diagnosis by itself.

Insurance Terminology

Allowed amount: The maximum dollar amount your insurance plan recognizes as payable for a covered service. This is the amount the insurer uses to calculate what it will pay and what you may owe. 

Appeal: A request for your insurance company to review a decision again, such as a denial of coverage.

Authorization/prior authorization: Approval from your insurance plan that may be required before certain tests, procedures, or visits are covered. Sometimes called precertification/preapproval.

Claim: The bill or request for payment that is sent to your insurance company after you receive care.

Coinsurance: Your share of the cost of a covered healthcare service, usually shown as a percentage of the allowed amount after you meet your deductible. Not all health insurance plans use coinsurance.

Copay: A fixed dollar amount you pay for a covered healthcare service, such as a doctor visit, specialist appointment, urgent care visit, or prescription. Not all insurance plans use copays, and the amount can vary by service and by plan.

Deductible: The amount you usually need to pay out of pocket each year before your insurance begins paying for certain services. Not all plans have a deductible, and some services, such as preventive care or office visits, may be covered before the deductible is met depending on the plan.

Denial: When an insurance company says it will not pay for a service, medication, or test as submitted.

Explanation of Benefits (EOB): A statement from your insurance company showing what was billed, what they paid, and what you may owe. It is not usually a bill.

In network: A doctor, hospital, lab, or facility that has a contract with your insurance plan. Using in-network providers usually costs less.

Medical necessity: A term insurance companies use to decide whether a service or test is appropriate and needed for your care.

Out of network: A doctor, hospital, lab, or facility that does not have a contract with your insurance plan. This often means higher costs.

Out-of-pocket cost: What you may have to pay yourself, including deductibles, copays, coinsurance and any other costs for services that are not covered by your insurance.

Provider: A healthcare professional or facility, such as a doctor, nurse practitioner, hospital, imaging center, or lab.

Referral requirement: A rule in some insurance plans that says you need approval or a referral from your primary care provider before seeing a specialist.

Getting Help and Moving Forward

Care coordinator/patient navigator: A person who helps patients move through the healthcare system, solve practical barriers, and understand next steps.

Financial counselor: Someone at a hospital or clinic who can help explain costs, insurance questions, payment plans, or assistance programs.

Medical records: The reports, notes, imaging, pathology, and lab results from your care.

Patient advocate: A person who helps support your needs, questions, and preferences during healthcare. A patient advocate may be a staff member at a hospital or clinic, someone from your insurance company, or a trusted family member or friend you choose to help you. 

Release of information: A form that gives permission for your records to be shared with another provider or facility.

Scheduling backlog: A delay in getting appointments because a clinic, imaging center, or specialist is booked far in advance.

Social worker: A healthcare team member who helps patients and families manage practical, emotional, and social challenges related to illness. A social worker may help with coping support, transportation, finances, work concerns, lodging, caregiving stress, community resources, advance care planning, or connecting you with counseling and support services.

A Few Reminders

Medical words can sound intimidating, especially during uncertain times. Terms like mass, lesion, abnormal, or suspicious often mean more information is needed, not that cancer is confirmed.

You do not need to navigate confusing language alone. Asking questions is part of good care.

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