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The BMC Incidentaloma Clinic is a multi-specialty hub for evaluating incidental (unexpected) radiological findings in a timely, comprehensive manner.

An incidentaloma is an unexpected finding during imaging (such as a CT or MRI scan) that is unrelated to the reason you had the scan in the first place. Often, these are benign (non-cancerous) but they usually need more evaluation by a specialty provider.

For example, an incidentaloma could be found if you break a rib and providers in the Emergency Department order a CT scan of your chest. If the radiologist sees a spot on your kidney in the scan, this is an incidentaloma. In this case, the radiologist would typically recommend that you have an evaluation by a kidney doctor or another scan in six months.

 

 



 

 You may be referred to the BMC Incidentaloma Clinic by anyone involved in your healthcare. This includes your:

- Primary care provider
- Attending physician (if you're hospitalized)
- Emergency Department team
- Other outpatient specialists

If one of these providers is told that you have an incidentaloma, they will let you know. Our clinic team will then call to schedule an appointment.



 

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At the Incidentaloma Clinic, a skilled physician assistant will review your imaging results and may order follow-up tests to figure out the best course of action. These tests could include lab work or follow-up scans.

The Incidentaloma Clinic is supported by the following medical and surgical specialties:

- Endocrinology
- Endocrine surgery
- Urology
- Gastroenterology
- Liver and biliary system (hepatobiliary) surgery
- Gynecology

 

 



 

 ## Location and Contact

The Incidentaloma Clinic has multiple locations across campus, depending on the medical specialty your visit is affiliated with. You'll get the location of your visit through phone, text, and/or mail before your appointment date.

 

 

 

 

 ## Frequently Asked Questions About the Incidentaloma Clinic

 

 ### Why was I referred to the Incidentaloma Clinic?

You were referred because a recent imaging study showed unexpected results that need to be looked at further.

The Incidentaloma Clinic is designed to help patients like you receive timely, specialized care that provides a comprehensive evaluation of your incidentaloma.

As part of our evaluation, we'll coordinate with your primary care provider and with specialists if needed.

 

  ### Does incidentaloma mean cancer?

No. Most incidentalomas are benign (non-cancerous) and may not need a lot of treatment after the first evaluation.

However, we can't be certain whether or not your incidentaloma is cancer until you have the recommended assessment. In rare cases, an incidentaloma may need to be treated quickly, which is why it is essential for you to attend the appointment.

 

  ### How can I prepare for my visit?

Your primary care provider or the physician who referred you to the BMC Incidentaloma Clinic may order lab tests or more imaging prior to your visit. If so, please be sure to get those done before the appointment.

If you have any medical records from other hospital that you think might help us (for example, a similar scan five years ago), please bring them to your visit for our providers to review unless they're already in your BMC medical record.

 

  ### Is this appointment urgent?

Appointments at the BMC Incidentaloma Clinic are not usually urgent. However, we recommend visiting us within 60 days of your incidentaloma notification. The sooner we assess, diagnose and create a treatment plan (if one is needed), the easier it will be for both you and your primary care team.

 

  ### What should I expect at my appointment?

At your appointment, you'll meet your clinical provider and care team, who will go over your lab and imaging results, medical history, and other important facts.

Then they'll decide on the next best steps, which might include testing, monitoring, or a specific treatment.

Your provider will coordinate with your primary care provider and/or referring physician to make sure they have your results and know about your treatment or observation plan.

 

  ### What if I have other questions?

Please contact the Incidentaloma Clinic by phone at 617.414.8080. If you leave a message, our team will be in touch shortly.