Being able to spot the early symptoms of lung cancer is vital, as the disease spreads fast – and there’s a simple test you can do in your own home to check for one of the key signs
A straightforward finger test can provide people with an early indication of lung cancer which they can perform at home.
Lung cancer can spread more rapidly than other forms of the disease, with nearly 40,000 people being diagnosed every year. Frequently, lung cancer symptoms don’t appear until after the cells have spread throughout the body.
Nevertheless, potential patients are able to identify a few early symptoms of the illness. Some of the common symptoms include shortness of breath, wheezing and a persistent cough with blood or phlegm.
Whilst many of the symptoms tend to be respiratory, there is one early telltale sign of lung cancer that appears on your fingertips – here’s what you need to know.
What is the early sign of lung cancer on fingertips?
When you press your fingernails together, do you notice a tiny diamond-shaped window of light?
If you can’t see this gap, you could have finger clubbing, which is when the ends of your fingers swell up – and this could be an indicator of lung cancer. The condition develops in stages, beginning at the base of the nail, which becomes soft.
Then the skin next to the nail bed becomes shiny, after which the nails start to curve more than normal when viewed from the side. Finally, the fingers may become larger and swell due to fluid accumulating in the soft tissues of the fingers.
Whilst not having this diamond-shaped gap between fingernails doesn’t automatically mean you have lung cancer, there is a possibility it’s a symptom. So, the best course of action is to speak to your doctor if you spot it.
One lung cancer patient, Brian Gemmell, whose only symptom of the disease was finger clubbing urges: “Go and see your doctor If you’ve got anything that you’re concerned about – that’s what a GP is for. Go as soon as you can.'”
Early detection can help you get treatment earlier, with West Lancashire-based GP Dr Helen Piercy advising: “If you notice any signs or symptoms that concern you, see your GP. First phone for an appointment. You will be assessed. You will be invited in, if you need to be seen face-to-face. Don’t be afraid. Pick up the phone.”
Lung cancer symptoms differ from person to person. Some people have multiple symptoms and others have none.
Common lung cancer symptoms to be aware include
- A persistent cough that lasts three weeks or more.
- Breathlessness.
- Wheezing.
- Frequent chest infections.
- A cough that changes or gets worse.
- Chest and/or shoulder pain.
- Coughing up blood or blood in your phlegm.
- Unexplained fatigue or lack of energy.
- Hoarseness.
- Swelling in the face or neck.
These signs don’t always indicate you have lung cancer, but it’s best to consult your GP if you have any of the above concerns.
