What does “Ground-glass opacity” mean on a radiology report?
Hazy area in the lungs on CT scan that looks like frosted glass. Can indicate infection, inflammation, or other lung conditions.
Does this mean something is wrong?
Not on its own. A radiology report describes what the images show, in language written for the doctor who ordered the scan. One term is rarely the whole picture — what it means for you depends on why you were scanned and what else the report says.
If the report worries you, the person who can actually answer that is the doctor who referred you. Understanding the words first usually makes that conversation a better one.
Want your whole report explained?
One term is a start. Radily reads your full report and explains it in plain English — and can talk you through it on video, so you are not reading medical language alone.
Other finding terms
- Air-fluid levelA horizontal line seen on imaging where air and fluid meet, often in abnormal collections.
- CalcificationCalcium deposits in tissue. Can be normal (aging) or indicate old injury, infection, or other conditions.
- CavityAn abnormal hollow space within tissue, often caused by infection or tissue death.
- ConsolidationArea of lung filled with fluid or solid material instead of air, usually from pneumonia.
- CystA fluid-filled sac. Usually benign and often harmless.
- EdemaSwelling from fluid buildup in tissues.
This explains a term as it is commonly used in radiology reports. It is not a diagnosis and not medical advice. Discuss your own results with your doctor.