Lung cancer physical examination

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Saarah T. Alkhairy, M.D.

Overview

Generally, the most common signs of lung cancer are decreased/absent breath sounds, wheeze, chest pain, emaciation, lethargy, and pallor. Other signs include metastases to the liver, brain, and adrenal glands (Cushing's syndrome).

Lung Cancer Physical Examination

General appearance

• Lethargic
• Pale
• Emaciated
• Confused
• Upper body obesity

Vital Signs

• Vital signs are generally within normal limit, but patients with severe disease may present the following vital signs:

• Low-grade fever
• Decreased SPO2
• Tachypnea
• Tachycardia
• Low BP

Chest

• Decreased/absent breath sounds
• Wheeze
• Chest pain

Abdomen

• Discomfort on palpation
• Hepatomegaly
• Ascites

Skeletal

• Bone pain
• Fractures (usually in the vertebrae, femur, pelvic bones, and the ribs)

Skin

• Pallor
• Jaundice

HEENT

• Jaundice
• Lymphadenopathy
• Visual defects
• Rounded face
• Increased fat around the neck

CNS

• Cranial nerve palsies

Extremities

• Clubbing of fingers
• Swelling of hands and feet
• Weakness
• Hemiplegia
• Shoulder pain (caused by a Pancoast tumor)
• Thinning arms and legs

References

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