File this under “symptoms not to ignore.”
Our fingernails provide valuable insight into our health — changes in their color, shape or texture can indicate underlying problems.
Dr. Davood Johari warns that one particular change may be a sign of lung cancer, the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Roughly 5% to 15% of lung cancer patients experience fingernail clubbing.
“Fingertips appear wider and rounder than normal, with the nails curving downwards, resembling an upside-down spoon,” Johari, a pulmonary and critical care attending physician at NYC Health + Hospitals/Kings County, told The Post.
“The nail bed, the area under the nail, feels spongy and softer,” he added. “The fingertip might be red or feel warmer than usual.”
It’s not completely understood why lung cancer causes digital clubbing. It may be because lung tumors can produce hormone-like substances that cause blood vessels in the fingers to widen, enhancing blood flow to the area.
The increased blood flow can lead to fluid buildup under the nail beds, contributing to the “clubbed” appearance.
Clubbing, which is typically painless, isn’t the only subtle clue that lung cancer may be afoot.
Aug. 1 is World Lung Cancer Day, an annual observance dedicated to raising awareness about the deadly disease.
An estimated 226,650 Americans will be diagnosed with lung cancer this year — nearly 125,000 are expected to die of it.
Johari suggests seeking medical attention if you notice a persistent cough lasting more than a few weeks, hoarseness and other vocal changes, unexplained weight loss, unexplained fatigue, stubborn shoulder pain that occurs at rest and worsens at night, vision changes or drooping eyelids.
A lung cancer assessment typically begins with a review of the patient’s medical and social history, followed by a physical exam and imaging tests.
A biopsy, the only definitive way to diagnose lung cancer, may be needed as well.
Early detection is crucial for better treatment outcomes. Lung cancer is often not discovered until it’s advanced.
Nail clubbing, which is usually a later-stage lung cancer symptom, can hint at other health problems.
“Chronic lung infections, interstitial lung diseases, cystic fibrosis and bronchiectasis could be associated with digital clubbing,” Johari said.
“It can also signal a range of other underlying health issues, including congenital heart defects, gastrointestinal (Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, celiac disease and liver cirrhosis), and other conditions such as Graves’ disease, infective endocarditis and more.”
Other nail changes can indicate cancer beyond lung cancer — don’t dismiss a dark streak under the nail, a bruise that does not heal, nail lifting, a bump under the nail, darkening of the skin next to the nail or bleeding.
“Many nail changes are harmless and may be related to aging, injury and trauma or everyday activities like using nail polish,” Johari explained.
“However, any changes in nail color, nail shape or thickness, which are persistent and last for more than a couple of weeks, should be checked by a physician.”
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