Medical reports and lab results can be full of technical jargon. Here’s a guide to help you interpret the most common parts of these documents:
1. Blood Test Results:
- WBC (White Blood Cell Count): Indicates the health of your immune system. High levels may suggest infection; low levels can point to immune system issues.
- RBC (Red Blood Cell Count): Measures oxygen-carrying cells in the blood. Abnormal levels may indicate anemia or other conditions.
- Hemoglobin and Hematocrit: These values assess the amount of oxygen in your blood. Low levels can indicate anemia.
- Platelets: These cells help with clotting. Too few can lead to excessive bleeding; too many can suggest clotting disorders.
2. Imaging Reports:
- MRI/CT Scans: Look for keywords like “normal,” “abnormal,” “lesion,” or “mass.” If something unusual is found, the report will often suggest a follow-up or additional tests.
- Ultrasound: Reports may use terms like “echogenic” or “hypoechoic” to describe areas that reflect or absorb sound differently. This helps identify fluid-filled or solid masses.
3. Pathology Reports:
- Benign vs. Malignant: Benign means non-cancerous, while malignant indicates cancer. If you see “in situ,” it refers to cells that haven’t spread.
- Margins: Refers to the edges of a removed tissue sample. “Clear margins” means no cancer cells were found at the outer edge, while “positive margins” may indicate remaining cancer cells.
4. Common Terms to Know:
- Chronic: A long-lasting condition.
- Acute: A sudden or severe condition.
- Prognosis: The expected outcome of a condition or disease.
- Metastasis: The spread of cancer from one area to another.
What to Do If You Don’t Understand Your Results:
- Ask Your Doctor: If the terminology or findings are unclear, don’t hesitate to ask your doctor to explain in simple terms.
- Research: Look up common terms, but be cautious of internet sources—stick to trusted medical sites like Mayo Clinic or the American Medical Association.
- Seek a Second Opinion: If the results are concerning or unclear, consider getting a second opinion to ensure accuracy and confidence in the diagnosis.
