Clinical Presentation & Protocol
Patient Usually Complains Of
Patient presents for evaluation of a pulmonary nodule incidentally identified on imaging. Denies hemoptysis, chronic cough, or dyspnea. No constitutional symptoms, weight loss, or night sweats. History negative for Carney triad or pulmonary chondromatous hamartoma syndromes.
Clinical Examination Findings
Respiratory exam: Lungs clear to auscultation bilaterally. No wheezing, rhonchi, or crackles. Normal respiratory effort, no accessory muscle use. Cardiovascular exam: Regular rate and rhythm, no murmurs. No signs of thoracic deformity or chest wall tenderness.
Treatment Protocol
Management plan: Serial surveillance imaging (CT chest) recommended to monitor for stability. Surgical resection (wedge resection or lobectomy) indicated only if lesion is symptomatic, rapidly enlarging, or if malignancy cannot be excluded. Pulmonary function testing (PFTs) to be performed as baseline.