When the topic of cancer comes up, fingernails might not be the first thing that comes to mind for most people.
Nevertheless, neglecting to examine your fingernails could mean missing out on an important warning sign that indicates a significant health issue.
The American Cancer Society notes that lung cancer ranks as the second most common cancer among both men and women in the United States.
Unfortunately, it often goes undetected until it reaches an advanced stage, largely because its symptoms can be mistaken for common respiratory issues like coughs and colds.
While many are aware of symptoms such as wheezing, a persistent cough, shortness of breath, and blood in phlegm, there is a less known indicator that can appear on the hands.
If you’re looking at your hands right now, what exactly should you be checking for?
It’s crucial to look for any swelling in the fingers or alterations in the shape of the nails.
This condition, known as finger clubbing, typically serves as a symptom of another underlying issue rather than a disease on its own.
Experts believe this occurs because lung tumors can release chemicals or hormones that cause inflammation in the bones of the fingers.
An individual from Scotland shared that their only symptom of lung cancer was finger clubbing when they were diagnosed.
Brian Gemmell told The Mirror: “Go and see your doctor—that’s what a GP is for.”
He emphasized, “Go as soon as you can,” recalling how he felt perfectly healthy when he received the unexpected diagnosis.
Brian added: “I wasn’t coughing up blood, I wasn’t breathless. My one and only symptom was clubbing of the fingers, where all your fingers swell up and when you put your fingers together you can’t see a diamond.
“That was my only symptom. Straightaway, my GP had an idea of what it was. He sent me straight for a chest X-ray and referred me to a respiratory consultant.”
The test Brian mentions involves pressing two opposing fingers together to see if a diamond shape appears.
If no small diamond is visible, it could be a sign of finger clubbing.
A 2012 study by Dr. Malay Sarkar, a lung cancer specialist from India, identified lung cancer as the leading cause of finger clubbing.
Surprisingly, it is associated with almost 90 percent of cases, while nail clubbing affects about five to 15 percent of people with lung cancer.
However, Cancer Research UK points out that not everyone with finger clubbing will necessarily have lung cancer.
Dr. Helen Piercy also advised in The Mirror: “If you notice any signs or symptoms that concern you, see your GP.
“First phone for an appointment. You will be assessed. You will be invited in, if you need to be seen face-to-face. Don’t be afraid. Pick up the phone.”
If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, contact the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345 or use their live chat feature, available 24/7 every day of the year.