Physical Examination
It is very hard for a physician to detect a lung cancer on physical examination.Sometimes NSCLC will cause a swelling of the tips of the fingers called "clubbing" and a type of arthritis in the legs called hypertrophic osteoarthropathy. If a cancer obstructs a bronchial tube, it can cause localized wheezing or a decrease in breath sounds heard through a stethoscope. A pleural effusion caused by lung cancer will be detected by decreased breath sounds and a dull percussion note. Metastasis to enlarged lymph nodes in the neck can sometimes be palpated. Liver metastasis can sometimes be detected by abdominal palpation. Abnormalities on neurologic exam or tenderness of bones can suggest suspected areas of metastasis. Careful examination of cardiopulmonary function is important to establish the patients functional status which is important in determining the risk of surgery. It is important to detect lung cancer before physical findings become evident if a maximum chance of cure it to be attained.
Frederic W. Grannis Jr. M.D If you have trouble contacting me with the address above, I may also be reached at 76516,2333@compuserve.com and at fgrannis@cris.com |