Two symptoms of Ireland's most deadly cancer may appear in your hands - what to look for
Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer death in Ireland and two unusual signs on your hands could help detect the disease
Experts have highlighted two less commonly known hand symptoms that might be hints of Ireland most lethal cancer, according to health officials.
These subtle signs may be early alerts for lung cancer, which is the fourth most common cancer in Ireland yet is the leading cause of cancer death in both sexes, accounting for 19% of cancer deaths in women and 21% in men in Ireland.
2,576 Irish people every year will receive the devastating news of a lung cancer diagnosis.
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This cancer is notorious for its deadly outcomes mostly because it tends not to reveal any symptoms in the early stages, resulting in late diagnosis when it has already advanced.
According to the HSE, in the early stages of lung cancer, signs and symptoms may be difficult to spot. You may only notice symptoms when the cancer grows bigger or spreads further in your lungs or body.
Therefore it's essential to be vigilant about any possible indicators of this disease. Significantly, Cancer Research UK has underlined two indicators that could appear on one's hands.
Finger clubbing
The first is finger clubbing, an affliction that typically impacts the fingertips across both hands and seems to develop progressively, reports Surrey Live. The base of the nail may first soften and the surrounding skin may turn red. The angle between the nail bed and the fold of skin just below the cuticle may increase, causing the nail to curve more than usual.
The nail and surrounding skin may appear shiny, with ridges running along the length of the nail. The ends of the fingers may appear enlarged, giving a "clubbed" appearance.
The nails and surrounding skin might look particularly glossy, with noticeable ridges running down the nail. Finger tips could also seem bloated, leading to what's known as a "clubbed" look.
According to Cancer Research UK, "finger clubbing generally takes years to develop", though in certain cases like a lung abscess, it can progress much quicker. It remains unclear why finger clubbing happens, but it’s speculated that large cells known as megakaryocytes could become trapped in the tiny blood vessels at the fingertips.
To test for clubbing, simply press the nails of two fingers (one from each hand) against each other – a healthy finger will show a diamond-shaped space in between. If this space isn't there, you might have clubbing.
Finger and wrist swelling
Some people with lung cancer may experience swollen fingers and nails, as well as pain and swelling in their joints. This condition is known as hypertrophic pulmonary osteoarthropathy (HPOA).
One symptom of HPOA is clubbed fingers, but it can also cause swollen fingers and wrists. As Cancer Research UK explains: "Hypertrophic pulmonary osteoarthropathy is a condition that affects some people with lung cancer.
”This often leads to inflammation of bones and joints predominantly in the wrists and ankles, and another frequent symptom is indeed finger clubbing.
Despite these symptoms, the NHS underlines the fact that in initial phases of lung cancer, "usually no signs or symptoms" are evident. However, "many people" eventually manifest symptoms connected to this disease.
If you notice any signs of lung cancer, it's crucial to consult your GP. The primary cause of lung cancer is smoking cigarettes, which accounts for between 85% to 90% of cases.
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