Although lung cancer usually has no symptoms in the early stages, warning signs may appear as the condition progresses.
And when you think of lung cancer, symptoms like coughing or shortness of breath may come to mind. Aside from your lungs and chest, there is another area that can indicate the condition – the fingers. Cancer Research UK shared that one of the signs that could be a symptom of lung cancer is clubbing of the fingers.
Clubbing is described as ‘unusual’, detailing changes in the shape of your finger and toenails.
These special symptoms may be seen among patients with lung and heart problems, including lung cancer. From the light color to the curve, there are a few signs of clubbing of the fingers.
Cancer Research UK explains what to look for:
• Softening of the nail bed (the nail bed) and redness of the skin around the nail.
• The angle between the nail bed and the nail fold (the skin just below the skin) increases, causing the nail to curve more than usual.
• The nail and the skin around it appear shiny, and there are bumps along the nail.
• The ends of the fingers appear larger.
And when it comes to the exact location, this mark usually appears on the top of your fingers.
However, it can appear on your toes too, and while it can sometimes take years to develop, certain conditions trigger it very quickly.
And if you notice clubbing fingers, the charity advises “talking to your doctor”.
Although this sign is a well-known symptom of lung cancer, it certainly doesn’t mean you have cancer when you do, and it can also indicate a number of different problems, from ulcerative colitis to Crohn’s disease.
The NHS shares other symptoms of lung cancer that are worth knowing about:
• A cough that does not go away after two or three weeks.
• A long-term cough that gets worse.
Chest infections that keep coming back.
• Coughing up blood.
• Aching or pain when breathing or coughing.
• Persistent shortness of breath.
• Constant tiredness or lack of energy.
• Loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss.
And if you have these “major” symptoms of lung cancer, you should talk to your doctor, the health service advises.
Source: Express