This symptom can take “years to develop”, according to experts
An unusual symptom in the fingertips could signal one of Britain’s most prevalent cancers. This subtle warning sign could indicate lung cancer, the main cause of cancer-related fatalities across the country.
Based on figures from Cancer Research UK, the condition accounts for roughly 34,800 deaths annually. This represents 21 per cent of all cancer-related deaths.
What contributes to lung cancer’s lethal nature is the fact that it rarely presents noticeable symptoms during its initial phases. Consequently, diagnosis may not be made until the illness has advanced significantly.
The NHS states: “Lung cancer does not usually cause noticeable symptoms until it’s spread through the lungs or into other parts of the body. This means the outlook for the condition is not as good as many other types of cancer.”
Hence, identifying any possible indicators of the condition at the earliest opportunity is crucial. One such indicator might appear at the fingertips.
Cancer Research UK cautions that finger clubbing can be a symptom of lung cancer. This typically impacts the fingertips on both hands, progressing gradually over time.
How to spot finger clubbing
The condition will result in the nail bed becoming softer whilst the surrounding skin turns red. The angle between the nail bed and nail fold will widen, causing the nail to bend more dramatically than normal.
Cancer Research UK continues: “The nail and the skin around the nail look shiny, and the nail has ridges along the length of it. The ends of the fingers look larger, giving the ‘clubbed’ appearance.”
Finger clubbing typically takes “years to develop”, the charity explains, though it can happen more rapidly in specific situations such as a lung abscess. One method to check for finger clubbing involves pressing the fingernails from each hand together.
If a diamond-shaped gap appears, the fingers are probably normal; the lack of this space might suggest clubbing. The NHS describes finger clubbing as a “less common” symptom of the condition.
Other symptoms of the disease
However, it notes that some of the typical warning signs include:
- A cough that does not go away after three weeks
- A long-standing cough that gets worse
- Chest infections that keep coming back
- Coughing up blood
- An ache or pain when breathing or coughing
- Persistent breathlessness
- Persistent tiredness or lack of energy
- Loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss
Additional, less frequent symptoms include:
- Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) or pain when swallowing
- Wheezing
- A hoarse voice
- Swelling of your face or neck
- Persistent chest or shoulder pain
Should you spot any indicators of lung cancer, it’s crucial to see your GP. Smoking cigarettes remains the leading cause of lung cancer, responsible for more than 70 per cent of cases.