Neck pain is a common presenting complaint. The majority of cases are due to poor posture or cervical spondylosis. If there has been a history of trauma, extreme care must be taken in examination of the neck and any X-rays…
A lump in the neck is a common problem. It is necessary to be able to distinguish the different causes, which may vary from a simple benign swelling to part of a generalised malignant condition. Causes Superficial ● Sebaceous cyst…
Nasal discharges are common. The most frequent causes are the common cold and allergic rhinitis, however persistent bloodstained nasal discharge is a serious symptom requiring urgent investigation. Causes Congenital ● Choanal atresia ● Cystic fibrosis Acquired Infective ● Common cold…
Nail abnormalities are common and can give invaluable clues to underlying systemic illness. Clubbing is dealt with in a separate section (p. 56). Causes Congenital ● Epidermolysis bullosa ● Anonychia congenita Acquired Infections ● Fungal infection (onychomycosis) ● Paronychia Traumatic…
Muscle weakness and wasting may be caused by a variety of conditions both systemic and those confined to the muscles only. Causes Localised ● Peripheral nerve lesions ● Peripheral nerve compression ● Motor neuropathy ● Peripheral nerve transection ● Disuse…
Mouth ulceration is common but it is important to be able to distinguish between simple benign ulcers (e.g. traumatic or aphthous) and those that are malignant. Tongue disorders are dealt with on p. 431. Causes ● Traumatic ● Aphthous (…
Melaena is the passage of altered blood per rectum (PR). A melaena stool is black and tarry and has a characteristic smell. The blood is degraded by hydrochloric acid and intestinal enzymes high in the gastrointestinal tract. Melaena is unlikely…
Lymphadenopathy is a common presenting condition. It may be localised or generalised. The causes are multiple but a careful history and clinical examination will often simplify the diagnosis. Lymphadenopathy, especially cervical, is extremely common in children who are otherwise healthy.…
Lip lesions are common. They may be extremely painful and interfere with speech and feeding. There is often a social stigma attached for the patient that leads to embarrassment. In the elderly, carcinoma is a common cause of a lump…
An ulcer is a discontinuity of an epithelial surface. Leg ulcers are common and the site of an ulcer on the leg may provide a clue to its aetiology. Causes Infective ● Syphilis ● TB • (common where TB is…