Incidental finding

Incidental finding refers to an unexpected discovery made during a medical examination or procedure that is unrelated to the patient's initial medical complaint. These findings can occur in various medical imaging techniques such as CT scans, MRI, and ultrasounds.

Definition

An incidental finding is a previously undiagnosed medical condition that is discovered unintentionally during a medical investigation. The term is often used to describe a condition that is found when a patient is being examined or treated for a different medical issue.

Types of Incidental Findings

Incidental findings can occur in various medical fields, including radiology, pathology, and genetics. In radiology, incidental findings are often discovered during imaging tests. In pathology, they can be found during a biopsy or surgical procedure. In genetics, they can be discovered during genetic testing.

Ethical Considerations

The discovery of incidental findings can raise ethical issues, such as whether to inform the patient about the finding, how to manage the finding, and who should bear the cost of further investigation and treatment. These issues are often complex and require careful consideration by the healthcare provider.

Management

The management of incidental findings depends on the nature of the finding, the patient's overall health, and the potential benefits and risks of further investigation and treatment. In some cases, the finding may require immediate attention, while in others, it may be best to monitor the finding over time.

See Also

• Medical imaging
• Diagnostic test
• Clinical decision making