Medical experts are highlighting two lesser-known hand symptoms that could be early indicators of the UK’s most lethal cancer. These subtle signs might be the key to detecting lung cancer, which is notorious as the nation’s top cause of cancer deaths.
According to Cancer Research UK, lung cancer results in around 34,800 deaths annually, accounting for 21% of all cancer-related deaths. The high mortality rate associated with lung cancer is largely due to its late discovery; it seldom presents symptoms in the early stages and often goes unnoticed until it has advanced significantly.
The NHS warns that “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.”
Therefore, being vigilant about any possible early signs of the disease is essential. Cancer Research UK specifically identifies two symptoms that may appear on the hands.
One such symptom is finger clubbing, a condition that generally affects the fingertips on both hands and tends to develop gradually. Initially, the base of the nail might soften, and the skin around it could become reddish, reports Surrey Live.
The angle between the nail bed and the fold of skin beneath the cuticle might increase, leading to an exaggerated curvature of the nail.
The nail and surrounding skin may appear shiny, with ridges running along the length of the nail. The ends of the fingers may appear enlarged, giving a “clubbed” appearance.
According to Cancer Research UK, “finger clubbing generally takes years to develop”, but it can occur faster in certain conditions such as a lung abscess. The exact cause of finger clubbing is unknown, but it’s thought that large cells called megakaryocytes may get stuck in the small blood vessels at the tips of the fingers.
You can check for clubbing by pressing two fingernails (one from each hand) together – a diamond-shaped gap should appear between healthy fingers. If there’s no gap, they could be clubbed.
Finger and wrist swelling Some people with lung cancer may experience swollen fingers and nails, as well as pain and swelling in their joints. This condition is known as hypertrophic pulmonary osteoarthropathy (HPOA).
One symptom of HPOA is clubbed fingers, but it can also cause swollen fingers and wrists. As Cancer Research UK explains: “Hypertrophic pulmonary osteoarthropathy is a condition that affects some people with lung cancer.”
“It most often causes inflammation of bones and joints in the wrists and ankles. Another common symptom is clubbing of the fingers.”
The NHS warns that there are “usually no signs or symptoms” in the early stages of lung cancer, but “many people” with the condition eventually develop symptoms including:.
If you notice any signs of lung cancer, it’s crucial to consult your GP. The primary cause of lung cancer is smoking cigarettes, accounting for over 70% of cases.
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