The short answer
'Indeterminate' means a finding is unclear on the scan — not clearly harmless, but not clearly cancer either. It is a statement of uncertainty, and it usually leads to a next step like follow-up imaging, a different scan, or a biopsy.
'Indeterminate' means a finding is unclear — neither clearly benign nor clearly cancer.
It is a statement of uncertainty, not a diagnosis.
Many indeterminate findings turn out to be harmless.
It usually leads to a next step like follow-up imaging or a biopsy.
Choose how you want to understand this
The full explanation.
The short version
Seeing "indeterminate" on a scan report can be frustrating because it withholds the yes-or-no answer you were hoping for. That is, in a sense, exactly what the word is telling you. Indeterminate means a finding is unclear — not clearly harmless, but not clearly cancer either.
Why a finding can be unclear
Scans do not always give crisp answers. A spot might be too small to characterize, too subtle, or have features that sit between "clearly benign" and "clearly concerning." When the picture is genuinely in between, a radiologist reports it honestly as indeterminate rather than guessing in either direction.
It helps to remember that "indeterminate" is not the same as "suspicious." Suspicious leans toward concern. Indeterminate leans neither way — it is a flag for uncertainty.
Many turn out to be harmless
A large share of indeterminate findings prove benign once they are looked at more closely or watched over time. The word marks a question, not a verdict. Still, because it cannot be dismissed either, care teams take the reasonable step of clarifying it.
What usually comes next
To resolve the uncertainty, your care team may recommend:
- Follow-up imaging after a set interval, to see whether the finding grows, shrinks, or stays stable
- A different type of scan, which may show features the first could not
- A biopsy, when tissue is needed for a definite answer
The choice depends on the specific finding, its location, and your overall situation.
What to ask
Because the word itself does not tell you how worried to be, ask your care team directly: how concerning is this finding in my case, what would help clarify it, and how soon should the next step happen? Their read of the finding, in the context of your history and other results, is what actually applies to you.
Words to know
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Common questions
▸Does indeterminate mean cancer?
No. Indeterminate means a finding is unclear — the scan cannot say whether it is harmless or something to worry about. Many indeterminate findings turn out to be benign. It signals uncertainty and usually leads to more checking.
▸Why can't the scan give a clear answer?
A finding might be too small, too subtle, or have features that overlap between harmless and concerning. When the picture is not definite, the radiologist reports it as indeterminate rather than forcing a conclusion.
▸What happens after an indeterminate result?
It usually points toward a next step to clarify, such as follow-up imaging after some time to see if it changes, a different type of scan, or a biopsy. What is recommended depends on the finding and your situation.
▸How worried should I be about an indeterminate finding?
Understandably, uncertainty is stressful, but 'indeterminate' does not confirm anything. Many such findings prove benign. The most helpful step is to ask your care team how concerning this specific finding is and what the plan is.
Questions to ask your doctor
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Your next step
Plain-language definitions for the words on your report.
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