Pulmonary nodule physical examination

Patients with pulmonary nodule usually are well-appearing. Physical examination of patients with pulmonary nodule usually has no remarkable findings. In some cases, solitary pulmonary nodule may show findings associated with the underlying condition.

• The following physical examination findings may be present among patients with pulmonary nodule:^[1]

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

• Decreased SPO2
• Tachypnea
• Tachycardia

• Pallor
• Acanthosis nigricans

• Lymphadenopathy

• Neck examination of patients with pulmonary nodule is usually normal.

Inspection

• Hoarseness
• Rapid rate of breathing

Auscultation

• Pleural friction rub
• Egophony
• Crackling or bubbling noises
• Whispered pectoriloquy
• Decreased/absent breath sounds

Percussion

• Hypo-resonance
• Dull percussion
• Tactile fremitus
• Reduced chest expansion

• Cardiovascular examination of patients with pulmonary nodule is usually normal.

• Hepatomegaly

• Back examination of patients with pulmonary nodule is usually normal.

• Genitourinary examination of patients with pulmonary nodule is usually normal.

• Slurred speech
• Confusion
• Palpable soft-tissue mass
• Deformity of metacarpophalangeal ​joints (Boutonniere deformity)

• Present in rheumatoid nodule

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

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