The short answer
Scan results can be confusing and stressful. Helpful questions cover what the scan showed, what it means for your plan, what any uncertain findings are, and what happens next.
Scan results can be hard to interpret on your own.
Ask what the scan showed in plain language.
Ask what it means for your treatment plan.
Ask about any uncertain or incidental findings.
Choose how you want to understand this
The full explanation.
Results can be stressful
Waiting for and receiving scan results is one of the more stressful parts of cancer care, and the reports themselves are full of technical language. Going into the conversation with a few clear questions helps you leave with understanding rather than more worry.
What it showed and what it means
Start by asking your team to explain, in plain language, what the scan showed — including whether anything changed from a previous scan. Then ask what it means for your plan: does it change your treatment, confirm the current approach, or call for more testing? The meaning for your care matters more than the technical wording.
Uncertain findings
Scans sometimes reveal spots that are unclear, or "incidental" findings unrelated to your cancer. These can be alarming out of context. Ask what any uncertain finding means and whether it needs follow-up, so you are not left imagining the worst.
The next step
Before the visit ends, ask what happens next and when — another scan, a change in treatment, or continued monitoring. Knowing the plan turns a confusing report into clear next steps you can hold onto.
Words to know
Tap any term to see what it means.
Common questions
▸What did the scan show?
Ask your team to explain the results in plain language — what they saw, whether anything changed from before, and what stands out. It is fine to ask them to slow down.
▸What does it mean for my plan?
Results matter most in terms of what happens next. Ask whether the scan changes your treatment plan, confirms it, or calls for more testing.
▸What about uncertain findings?
Scans sometimes show spots that are unclear or unrelated to your cancer. Ask what any uncertain or incidental finding means and whether it needs follow-up.
▸What happens next?
Ask what the next step is and when — another scan, a treatment change, or simply continued monitoring — so you leave the visit knowing the plan.
Questions to ask your doctor
Being prepared helps you get the most out of your appointments. Save or print these questions.
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