Weight Loss

Differential Diagnosis of Involuntary Weight Loss

Malignancy Infections (acute / chronic) Hyperthyroidism Diabetes (uncontrolled) Depression / Psychosis

Hepatitis (acute) Peptic Ulcer Nausea / Vomiting (due to many causes) Diarrheal Illness Adrenal Insufficiency (rare)

Symptoms to Inquire About

Diarrhea Nausea / Vomiting Cough Hoarseness Dysphagia Fever / Sweats Drugs (esp. stimulants)

Hemoptysis Hematemesis Hematochezia / Melena Hematuria Vaginal Bleeding New Lump /  Lesion

Pleuritic Chest Pain Upper Abdominal Pain Lower Abdominal Pain Pelvic Pain Depression / Psychotic Sx

Complete PE, including

Lymphadenopathy Hepatosplenomegaly Jaundice

Breast Mass Prostate Nodule Nodules under Tongue (smoker)

Basic Lab Tests

CBC Sed Rate / CRP TSH Full Chemistry Panel

LDH HIV Antibody PSA if >50 (Afr-Am >40) Chest X-Ray

More Extensive Tests

• Abdominal & Pelvic CT
• Chest CT (if smoker)
• Colonoscopy (if >50)
• Mammogram (woman >40)
• Cosyntrosyn Stimulation Test (if orthostatic hypotension)

See Postings Weight Loss – 1 and Weight Loss – 2.