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 have the following vital signs:
- Low-grade fever
- Decreased SPO2
- Tachyapnea
- 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
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