Symptom Finder - Weight loss
Weight Loss
The examination of a patient with weight loss demands a thorough routine physical examination. Look for signs of an overactive
thyroid (enlarged thyroid, tremor, tachycardia, and diaphoresis). Also, look for hyperpigmentation of the skin and buccal mucosa (signs of Addison disease). One wants to examine, in particular, for hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, an abdominal mass, rectal or prostatic mass, pelvic mass, and lymphadenopathy. Look for jaundice, pale conjunctiva, smooth tongue, and clubbing. The neurologic examination should focus on the
possibility of a peripheral neuropathy, muscular dystrophy, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Type 1 diabetes begins with significant weight loss, so
check the urine for sugar. If there is marked polyuria, think of diabetes insipidus.
The examination of a patient with weight loss demands a thorough routine physical examination. Look for signs of an overactive
thyroid (enlarged thyroid, tremor, tachycardia, and diaphoresis). Also, look for hyperpigmentation of the skin and buccal mucosa (signs of Addison disease). One wants to examine, in particular, for hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, an abdominal mass, rectal or prostatic mass, pelvic mass, and lymphadenopathy. Look for jaundice, pale conjunctiva, smooth tongue, and clubbing. The neurologic examination should focus on the
possibility of a peripheral neuropathy, muscular dystrophy, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Type 1 diabetes begins with significant weight loss, so
check the urine for sugar. If there is marked polyuria, think of diabetes insipidus.
