These changes on the fingers can be a sign of lung cancer

09:43 21.11.2020(updated at 09:46 of 21.11.2020) Short URL

Swollen fingertips and nail deformity may be signs of lung cancer, a Cancer Research UK representative told Express. These changes are caused by the accumulation of fluid in the soft tissues of the fingers.

Enlargement of the fingers and swelling of the nails may be signs of lung cancer, a British oncologist said.

Called digital hippocratism, this syndrome manifests itself as changes in the shape of the nails or fingers, as if they are swollen, Emy Herst, a representative of Cancer Research UK, told Express. This transformation is also called “fingers in chopsticks”.

The specialist also warned of other changes in the fingers, which must be taken into account. Among them, the softening of the nail plate and the shine of the skin. Finally, nails can curl more than usual when viewed from the side.

The cause of the swelling of the fingers

This symptom is caused by the accumulation of fluid in the soft tissues located on the fingertips, Herst explained.

“This is because more blood circulates in this area than usual. But we don’t fully understand why this is happening, “he added.

In addition to these symptoms, there are other indicators of lung cancer and these can vary from person to person. These include constant coughing, wheezing, hoarse voice, swelling of the face and neck, as well as persistent pain in the chest or shoulder.