09-27-2006, 01:40 AM
A 64-year-old chain-smoker presents with a 3-month
history of cough and loss of weight. Physical examination
reveals clubbing of the fingers. Bronchoscopy shows a le-
sion nearly occluding the right main stem bronchus. A
radiograph of the chest shows no hilar adenopathy, but
there is cavitation within the 3-cm lesion. The serum
chemistry panel results are unremarkable except for a cal-
cium level of 12.3 mg/dL, phosphorus concentration of 2.4
mg/dL, and albumin level of 3.9 g/dL. A bronchoscopic
biopsy is performed, and based on the pathologist's report
and further testing, the patient is told that a surgical proce-
dure with a curative intent will be attempted. (
history of cough and loss of weight. Physical examination
reveals clubbing of the fingers. Bronchoscopy shows a le-
sion nearly occluding the right main stem bronchus. A
radiograph of the chest shows no hilar adenopathy, but
there is cavitation within the 3-cm lesion. The serum
chemistry panel results are unremarkable except for a cal-
cium level of 12.3 mg/dL, phosphorus concentration of 2.4
mg/dL, and albumin level of 3.9 g/dL. A bronchoscopic
biopsy is performed, and based on the pathologist's report
and further testing, the patient is told that a surgical proce-
dure with a curative intent will be attempted. (