Question

Philip, age 60, has been having difficulty catching his breath for about 2 months. He finds he gets short of breath even when resting. He has also been spitting up blood, has a wet cough, and is hoarse. He states that he has had chest pain off and on but now it has become worse. He describes it as central chest pain. Philip was treated for a basal cell carcinoma of his upper lip 12 months ago, and he has been a heavy smoker for 40 years.

As the nurse caring for Philip, what things would you consider in this case?

Answer 1

This can probably be postmetastatic changes from the previously treated basal cell carcinoma. Though metastasis from skin malignancies are rare, local invasions are reported. A bronchoscopy and biopsy can tell about any abnormality in the tissue environment in the bronchial tree. The major points throwing light to reach this conclusion are:

• Past medical history of basal cell carcinoma
• Spitting out blood on wet cough
• central chest pain
• shortness of breath

PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO GIVE THUMBS UP. HAPPY LEARNING. STAY SAFE. ALL THE BEST.