PAEA Surgery End Of Rotation (EOR) Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT a symptom of lung carcinoma?

1. Dyspnea

2. Finger clubbing

3. Sudden weight gain

4. Hoarseness

The correct answer is: Sudden weight gain

In the context of lung carcinoma, understanding the common symptoms associated with this condition is crucial. Dyspnea, or difficulty breathing, is a common symptom as the tumor may obstruct airways or invade surrounding tissues affecting lung function. Finger clubbing is associated with chronic respiratory conditions, including lung cancer, and results from changes in blood flow and oxygenation. Hoarseness can occur when the cancer affects the recurrent laryngeal nerve, which controls the vocal cords, leading to voice changes. Sudden weight gain, however, is not typically associated with lung cancer. Cancer often leads to weight loss due to increased metabolic demands and other factors such as loss of appetite and nausea. This is distinctly different from sudden weight gain, which is not a recognized symptom or effect of lung carcinoma. Therefore, identifying sudden weight gain as not being a symptom aligns with the clinical understanding of how lung carcinoma generally presents in patients.