There’s a straightforward finger test you can perform at home to help identify early signs of a silent killer that affects nearly 40,000 Brits each year. Often, symptoms for the disease don’t manifest until after the cells have spread throughout the body, however, potential patients are able to spot a few early symptoms of the illness.
While many of the symptoms for lung cancer tend to be respiratory including a persistent cough, shortness of breath and wheezing there is one early tell-tale sign that appears on your fingertips – here’s what you need to know. What is the early sign of lung cancer on fingertips? When you press your fingernails together, do you see a tiny diamond-shaped window of light?
If you can’t see this gap, you could have finger clubbing, which when the ends of your fingers swell up – and this could be a sign of lung cancer.
The condition happens in stages, starting at the base of the nail, which becomes soft. Then the skin next to the nail bed becomes shiny, after which the nails begin to curve more than normal when looked at from the side, reports the Mirror.
Finally, the fingers may get larger and swell due to fluid collecting in the soft tissues of the fingers. While not having this diamond-shaped gap between fingernails doesn’t automatically mean you have lung cancer, there is a possibility it’s a symptom.
Brian Gemmell, a lung cancer patient, had a single symptom – finger clubbing. His advice is: “Go and see your doctor If you’ve got anything that you’re concerned about – that’s what a GP is for. Go as soon as you can.'” Dr Helen Piercy, a West Lancashire-based GP, adds: “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.”
Symptoms of lung cancer can vary from person to person, and may include:.
– A persistent cough that lasts three weeks or more.
– Breathlessness.
– Wheezing.
– Frequent chest infections.
– A cough that changes or gets worse.
– Chest and/or shoulder pain.
– Coughing up blood or blood in your phlegm.
– Unexplained fatigue or lack of energy.
– Hoarseness.
– Swelling in the face or neck.
These signs don’t necessarily mean you have lung cancer, but it’s best to consult your GP if you have any concerns.