Connect with others who understand.

  •   Learn from expert-reviewed resources
  •   Real advice from people who’ve been there
  •   People who understand what you’re going through
Sign Up Log In
All Resources Treatments A-Z Personal Assistant Help Center Crisis
Powered By
Real members of MyBCTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Is it required that a physician discuss an incidental finding when they run a test for something completely different?

A MyBCTeam Member asked a question 💭
Alpharetta, GA

I had an abdominal CT Scan in January to evaluate my candidacy for DIEP surgery.The surgeon only mentioned that all was good for DIEP. I successfully had the surgery.
Months later I looked at the CT scan and it mentioned a "small hiatial hernia" and "small enhancing focus in the liver,non specific but possibly a small hemangioma or perfusion anomaly".
I have since seen my PCP who has scheduled follow up diagnostic consultation for both!

August 4
 · 
Reactions

Answer Summary

Members rallied around a question about whether doctors are required to share incidental findings from scans, agreeing that while it may not... Read more

Members rallied around a question about whether doctors are required to share incidental findings from scans, agreeing that while it may not always be legally required, it is absolutely the ethical thing to do. Several members shared their own experiences of discovering unexpected findings on their own, including arterial calcifications spotted in mammogram reports, and emphasized the importance of reading test results personally and using tools like MyChart to communicate concerns and keep things on record. A recurring theme was that being proactive, asking questions, and advocating for yourself are essential habits, with many members encouraging each other to keep up the diligence.

A MyBCTeam Member

I don’t think legally they have to, but morally and ethically they should.

August 4
A MyBCTeam Member

I kinda freaked out a bit earlier this year when I was left a message saying that findings in my mammo were prompting a referral back to my PCP. Wait- What?? The mammo was ordered by the Breast specialist- so a call to them, and I was told it was because of calcifications, but no cancer. So, since the receptionist was not very helpful, I went to My Chart, and the calcifications were "arterial calcifications" which have nothing to do with breast health, but can be an indicator of cardio issues. Another slight freakout- and more research. Turns out there is a new recommendation (not yet required) that radiaologists note these in their reports so that patients can be proactive about cardiac health. I had my regular appt with the PCP yesterday, and she is ordering additional bloodwork and imaging that we will use as a baseline for future monitoring as needed.

Virginia required (state law) that breast density percentages be included in reports long before it became a National thing. The more info we have, the better we can be proactive about our own health!

I say- bring the info! Knowledge is power and peace of mind! Hugs!

August 5
MyBCTeam

What a great question, and honestly — good on you for reading your own scan results! That kind of proactive approach to your health really matters.

Ethically and legally, physicians are generally expected to inform patients of incidental findings discovered during imaging, even when the test was ordered for a different Show Full Answer

What a great question, and honestly — good on you for reading your own scan results! That kind of proactive approach to your health really matters.

Ethically and legally, physicians are generally expected to inform patients of incidental findings discovered during imaging, even when the test was ordered for a different purpose. This falls under the duty of care. However, in practice, communication can sometimes fall through the cracks, especially when multiple specialists are involved. The good news is that you're already doing exactly the right things:

- You reviewed your own imaging report
- You followed up with your PCP
- You have diagnostic consultations scheduled for both findings

Both findings noted on your scan — the hiatal hernia and the liver focus — are described as "small" and "nonspecific," which are generally reassuring terms. Your medical team is being appropriately cautious by following up.

It's absolutely worth raising your concern about the communication gap with your surgeon, not to assign blame, but to ensure it doesn't happen again in your care going forward. You deserve to be fully informed at every step.

August 4
A MyBCTeam Member

Yes, BB2 I feel that those results should have been fully discussed with you. But I'm glad you are following up.

August 4
A MyBCTeam Member

Good morning 🌅 BB2. Great move on your part. It's always important to look at any test results or scan and to know how to read them. Everytime I go to my oncology appointments or any medical appointments I ask for my results before I leave the office. I agree with Terry Fedirka, we have to challenge our health care team.

August 4

Related Questions

View All

Radiation therapy - the gift that keeps on giving?

A MyBCTeam Member asked a question in Side Effects group 💭
June 17

A hero is an ordinary individual who finds...
Finding a New Normal: Living With Breast Cancer
What Is a Partial Mastectomy?