Thymoma physical examination

Thymoma Microchapters
Home
Patient Information
Overview
Historical Perspective
Classification
Pathophysiology
Causes
Differentiating Thymoma from other Diseases
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
Screening
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Diagnosis
Diagnostic Study of Choice
History and Symptoms
Physical Examination
Laboratory Findings
Electrocardiogram
X-ray
Echocardiography and Ultrasound
CT scan
MRI
Other Imaging Findings
Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Surgery
Primary Prevention
Secondary Prevention
Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy
Future or Investigational Therapies
Case Studies
Case #1
Thymoma physical examination On the Web
Most recent articles
Most cited articles
Review articles
CME Programs
Powerpoint slides
Images
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Thymoma physical examination All Images X-rays Echo & Ultrasound CT Images MRI
Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov
US National Guidelines Clearinghouse
NICE Guidance
FDA on Thymoma physical examination
CDC on Thymoma physical examination
Thymoma physical examination in the news
Blogs on Thymoma physical examination
Directions to Hospitals Treating Thymoma
Risk calculators and risk factors for Thymoma physical examination

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Amr Marawan, M.D. [2]Ahmad Al Maradni, M.D. [3]

Overview

Patients with thymoma usually appear asymptomatic. Physical examination of patients with thymoma is may be remarkable for neck lump, facial swelling and wheezing.

Physical Examination

The physical examination plays a limited role in the diagnosis of thymoma, it is very important to check general signs for associated diseases.

Apperance

• Patient usually appears well and asymptomatic

Head and Neck

• Facial swelling may be present
• Neck lump may be present

Chest

• Dullness to percussion on the anterior chest

Lungs

• Wheezing may be present

Musculoskeletal

• Muscle weakness may be present (suggestive of myasthenia gravis)
• Joint deformity may be present (suggestive of an associated joint disease)

Skin

• Malar rash May present (suggestive of systemic lupus erythrematouses)

Physical examination of myasthenia gravis (associated with 15% of patients with thymoma) Shows muscle fatigability and can be tested for many muscles.

A thorough examination demonstrates easy fatigability during following movements:

• Looking upward and sidewards for 30 seconds: ptosis and diplopia.
• Looking at the feet while lying on the back for 60 seconds
• Keeping the arms stretched forward for 60 seconds
• 10 Deep knee bends
• Walking 30 steps on both the toes and the heels
• 5 Sit-ups, lying down and sitting up completely