Health experts have issued a warning that an unusual feature on the fingertips might be indicative of one of the UK’s most prevalent cancers. This inconspicuous sign could signal lung cancer, identified as the nation’s primary cause of cancer mortality.
Data from Cancer Research UK show that lung cancer accounts for about 34,800 deaths annually, constituting 21 percent of all cancer deaths in the UK. One reason for the high fatality rate of lung cancer is that it generally doesn’t manifest symptoms during its initial stages, which often results in late diagnosis.
The NHS says: “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.”
Early detection of any potential indications of lung cancer is therefore crucial. One such indication could appear at the tips of the fingers.
Cancer Research UK highlights that finger clubbing could be a tell-tale symptom of lung cancer. This condition typically impacts the fingertips on both hands and develops over time.
Finger clubbing involves softening of the nail bed, reddening of the skin around the nail, an increased angle between the nail bed and the nail fold, and unusually curved nails. Cancer Research UK says: “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”, according to the charity, though it may happen more rapidly under certain conditions such as a lung abscess.
A simple method to check for finger clubbing involves pressing two fingernails together. If you notice a diamond-shaped space between the nails, it’s a sign of healthy fingers; if this gap is missing, it might suggest clubbing.
The NHS describes finger clubbing as a “less common” symptom of the disease, emphasising that some more common indicators include:
- Chest infections that keep coming back
- Loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss
- Persistent breathlessness
- A long-standing cough that gets worse
- Coughing up blood
- A cough that does not go away after three weeks
- An ache or pain when breathing or coughing
- Persistent tiredness or lack of energy.
Less common symptoms encompass:
- Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) or pain when swallowing
- Persistent chest or shoulder pain
- Swelling of your face or neck
- A hoarse voice
- Wheezing.
Anyone experiencing signs of lung cancer should consult with their GP promptly. Notably, smoking cigarettes remains the primary cause of lung cancer, responsible for more than 70 per cent of instances.