Preoperative evaluations begin with basic information required before all anesthetics. A determination is then made as to whether the patient is in optimal condition for the planned procedure or whether further preoperative preparation is indicated. Finally, an assessment is formu-lated to predict lung function following resection. The specific pulmonary evaluation will include history of cough, sputum production, chest pain (possibly pleuritic), dyspnea, wheezing, arm pain (resulting from Pancoast tumor involving the brachial plexus), weakness (resulting from myasthenic syndrome), other endocrine syndromes (caused by tumors secreting hormones), and weight loss (hypoproteinemia).
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