A change in your fingers shape and size could be a sign of lung cancer, according to experts.
Macmillan Cancer Support pointed out the little-know sign of the disease, known as 'finger clubbing', that could see the tips of a finger or fingers become more curved or larger. The change may occur on both the right and left hand or either hand.
Lung cancer forms due to abnormal cells within the body which then form a lump in the lung, known as a tumour, explained Clinical oncologist Dr Neil Bayman. The most common symptoms include a lingering cough, trouble breathing and unexplained weight loss.
However, there are lesser known signs can be an indicator of the disease such as finger clubbing as well as a pain in the shoulder travelling down the arm, reports the Express.
Smokers are at a higher risk of lung cancer, with those who started smoking tobacco at a young age most at risk. However, people who have been exposed to second-hand smoke can also develop the disease, though the risk is smaller.
There are two main types of primary lung cancer - non-small cell lunch cancer and small cell lung cancer. Non-small lung cancer is the "most common", accounting for 90 per cent of cases.
What are the symptoms of lung cancer?
According to the NHS, the main symptoms of lung cancer are:
- a cough that does not go away after 3 weeks
- a long-standing cough that gets worse
- chest infections that keep coming back
- coughing up blood
- an ache or pain when breathing or coughing
- persistent breathlessness
- persistent tiredness or lack of energy
- loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss
Less common symptoms of lung cancer include:
- changes in the appearance of your fingers, such as becoming more curved or their ends becoming larger (this is known as finger clubbing)
- difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) or pain when swallowing
- wheezing
- a hoarse voice
- swelling of your face or neck
- persistent chest or shoulder pain
During the early stages of lung cancer there may be no symptoms at all.
As the tumour grows, the disease can lead to other health conditions such as pleural effusion.
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