Large cell carcinoma of the lung physical examination

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Maria Fernanda Villarreal, M.D. [2]

Physical examination findings of large cell carcinoma of the lung will depend on the stage and size of the tumor. Large cell carcinoma of the lung with peripheral location may cause reduced chest expansion, tachypnea, and crackling sounds. Other common physical examination findings of patients with large cell carcinoma of the lung, may include: bubbling noises, decreased/absent breath sounds, and whispered pectoriloquy.^[1]

• The following physical examination findings may be present among patients with large cell carcinoma of the lung:^[1]

• Well-appearing
• Older age in relation to chronological age
• Lethargic
• Confused

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

Inspection

• Performed in the anterior chest/posterior chest
• Hoarseness
• Rapid rate of breathing

Auscultation

• Present pleural friction rub
• Present egophony
• Crackling or bubbling noises
• Present whispered pectoriloquy
• Decreased/absent breath sounds

Percussion

• Hyporesonance
• Dull percussion
• Tactile fremitus
• Reduced chest expansion

• Hepatomegaly

• Palpable soft-tissue mass

• Pallor
• Acanthosis nigricans

• Lymphadenopathy

• Slurred speech
• Confusion

• Clubbing of fingers
• Swelling of hands and feet
• Weakness