Awareness of Nail Changes: A Health Insight
Nail health can be an important indicator of our overall well-being. When we notice shifts in color, shape, or texture, it can point to underlying health issues.
Dr. Davood Johari notes that certain nail changes might indicate lung cancer, a leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally. It’s interesting to learn that around 5% to 15% of individuals with lung cancer show signs of nail clubbing.
“The fingertips tend to look broader and rounder than usual, and the nails may take on a downward curve,” Johari explains. He adds that the area beneath the nail, known as the nail bed, could feel soft and spongy. In some cases, fingers might appear redder or feel warmer than they typically would.
The exact reason lung cancer is associated with nail clubbing isn’t completely understood. It could be that tumors in the lungs produce certain substances that lead to the widening of blood vessels in the fingers, thus increasing blood flow.
This heightened blood flow may cause fluids to build up under the nail bed, contributing to the clubbed appearance.
Typically, if clubbing is present, it’s not the sole indicator of lung cancer. There are often other subtle signs to watch for.
As a reminder, August 1 marks World Lung Cancer Day, an important occasion aimed at raising awareness about this serious disease.
This year, it’s estimated that around 226,650 people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with lung cancer, with nearly 125,000 expected to lose their lives to it.
Johari advises consulting with a physician if you notice any of the following: a persistent cough, hoarseness, unexplained weight loss, continuous fatigue, shoulder pain that worsens while resting and at night, vision changes, or drooping eyelids.
Typically, lung cancer assessments start with a review of the individual’s medical and social background, followed by physical exams and imaging tests. A biopsy may also be necessary—it’s the only conclusive method to confirm lung cancer.
Timely detection is crucial for better treatment outcomes since lung cancer is often diagnosed only after it has advanced.
Nail clubbing, generally a sign of advanced lung cancer, can also indicate other health issues.
“Conditions like chronic pulmonary infections, interstitial pulmonary disease, cystic fibrosis, and bronchiectasis can be linked to nail clubbing,” Johari mentions.
He adds that it may also relate to congenital heart defects, various gastrointestinal disorders (such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, celiac disease, and liver cirrhosis), and even other conditions like Graves’ disease or infectious endocarditis.
Moreover, changes in nails could suggest cancers beyond lung cancer. Watch for dark stripes under the nails, bruising that doesn’t heal, nail fractures, bumps underneath the nails, or discoloration or bleeding in the skin adjacent to the nails.
“While many nail changes can be harmless and simply associated with common activities or aging, persistent alterations in color, shape, or thickness should definitely prompt a doctor’s visit,” Johari advises.
