Get Checked for Cancer if Your Nails Start Looking Like This 

CDC reports that lung cancer is the deadliest among the cancer types in the U.S. However, it’s challenging to treat it because the symptoms arise when it’s already in its advanced stages.

Therefore, experts encourage people to know this early sign that most patients don’t recognize – nail clubbing.

Kindly continue reading to learn more about this health issue.

1. Nail Clubbing is a Symptom You Have Lung Cancer

You already know about the respiratory symptoms of lung cancer. But, unfortunately, only a few know about this sign – nail clubbing. So what are the clues of clubbed fingers? Generally, your fingertips are round, and your nails curve downward. However, finger clubbing is also a symptom of other health issues.

Tell your doctor immediately if you notice this sign, and they will run several tests to diagnose your problem correctly. Aside from cancer, nail clubbing is also a symptom of gastrointestinal, heart, and lung diseases.

2. Test for Clubbed Fingers

Schamroth’s window test is a self-exam you can do to check for clubbed nails. You can do it at home. However, it would help to visit your doctor for a proper evaluation and diagnosis.

Put your two pointer fingers together and see if you notice a diamond-shaped gap between your nails. If you can’t see it, you may have an underlying condition or nail clubbing.

3. Other Lung Cancer Symptoms

You should talk to your doctor about lung cancer if you notice your nail clubbing, according to the American Cancer Society . Successful treatment is evident if you catch it early.

You also need to check if you have the following lung cancer signs:

• Persistent cough
• Unexplained loss of weight or appetite
• Rust-colored phlegm or coughing up blood
• Chest pain, especially when breathing deeply
• A hoarse voice
• Shortness of breath
• Chronic infections such as pneumonia or bronchitis
• Fatigue
• Wheezing

If your lung cancer is in its advanced stage, you may have these additional symptoms:

• Lymph node swelling
• Jaundice
• Nervous system issues
• Bone pain

4. Nail Clubbing is Also a Sign of These Health Conditions

Aside from lung cancer, clubbed fingers is a sign of the following issues:

• Non-cancerous lung problems – lung abscess, chronic lung infections, and interstitial lung disease
• Heart conditions – pulmonary fibrosis, congenital heart disease, and endocarditis
• Celiac disease
• Graves’ disease
• Liver cirrhosis
• Dysentery
• Overactive thyroid
• Other cancer types – Hodgkin lymphoma, gastrointestinal tract, and liver cancer

5. Consult Your Doctor Immediately

You must consult your physician if you notice nail clubbing. However, you shouldn’t be anxious if you have it because it may not necessarily be lung cancer.

Instead, clubbed fingers signify a host of other illnesses that a medical practitioner can diagnose and treat correctly.

Final Thoughts

Lung cancer is challenging to treat because the symptoms appear when it’s already in its late stages. However, nail clubbing may signify that you have this type of cancer.

If you can’t notice the diamond-shaped in between your pressed index fingers, you should consult your doctor immediately for an appropriate diagnosis and treatment. The likelihood of survival is high if you catch it early.