CT scanning of the lungs is a common technique for examining and diagnosing lung diseases. When undergoing CT scans of the lungs, we commonly encounter the following descriptions:

1. Nodule: A small, round or oval-shaped lesion in the lung, typically less than 3 cm in diameter. Nodules can be benign or malignant.
2. Mass: This refers to a larger abnormality in the lung, usually larger than 3 cm in diameter. A mass can be benign or malignant.
3. Ground-glass opacity: An area of the lung that appears hazy on a CT scan. It may indicate inflammation, scarring or early-stage lung disease.
4. Consolidation: It describes a region of the lung where the air spaces are filled with fluid or other substances. It can be caused by infection or other conditions.
5. Interstitial thickening: This refers to thickening of the lung tissue or the interstitium, which can be a sign of interstitial lung disease such as pulmonary fibrosis.
6. Patchy shadow: A patchy, dense shadow on a CT scan that may result from infection or inflammation.
7. Lymphadenopathy: Enlarged lymph nodes in the lungs or mediastinum, often seen in infections, inflammation, or malignancy.
8. Pleural effusion: It indicates the presence of excess fluid in the space between the lung and the chest wall (pleural space).
9. Atelectasis: This refers to a partial or complete collapse of a lung or a portion of a lung, resulting in reduced lung volume.
10. Emphysema: A lung condition that damages the air sacs in the lungs, which can cause difficulty breathing.
11. Bronchiectasis: A chronic lung disease that causes the bronchial tubes to become permanently widened, leading to recurrent infections and breathing difficulties.
12. Cavitation: It describes the presence of a hollow space or cavity within a lung lesion. Certain infections or other conditions commonly exhibit it.
13. Pleural thickening: The thickening and proliferation of the pleura, which appears as arc-shaped or linear pleura on a CT scan that is thicker than normal pleura. Pleural thickening is a common feature of pneumonia, tuberculosis, and other lung diseases.

These descriptions are very common when interpreting CT images of the lungs. However, it’s important to remember that accurately interpreting CT images requires expertise, and descriptions may vary depending on the specific case and clinical context. If you have received CT scan results, it’s advisable to consult with your doctor for an accurate interpretation and diagnosis.