Strange fingertip symptom could mean you have the UK's most deadly cancer
Finger clubbing means there are certain changes in the shape of your fingers and fingernails.
It is also called digital clubbing or Hippocratic fingers. People with conditions such as heart or lung problems sometimes have these changes.
Based on figures from Cancer Research UK, lung cancer accounts for roughly 34,800 deaths annually. This represents 21 per cent of all cancer-related deaths.
What contributes to lung cancer's lethal nature is the fact that it rarely presents noticeable symptoms during its initial phases. Consequently, diagnosis may not be made until the illness has advanced significantly.
The NHS states: "Lung cancer does not usually cause noticeable symptoms until it's spread through the lungs or into other parts of the body. This means the outlook for the condition is not as good as many other types of cancer."
Hence, identifying any possible indicators of the condition at the earliest opportunity is crucial. One such indicator might appear at the fingertips.
Cancer Research UK cautions that finger clubbing can be a symptom of lung cancer. This typically impacts the fingertips on both hands, progressing gradually over time.
Recommended reading:
People 'blown away' as giant sharks seen leaping out the water off UK coastlines
Police to be handed stronger powers to stop disruptive E-scooters on streets
New popular Paddy McGuinness show axed after just one series, per reports
What is finger clubbing?
Finger clubbing usually affects the top of the fingers on both hands. And can also affect toes. It seems to happen in stages:
there is softening of the base of the nail (nail bed) and redness (erythema) of the skin around the nail
the angle between the nail bed and the nail fold (the skin just below the cuticle) increases, which causes the nail to curve more than usual
the nail and the skin around the nail look shiny, and the nail has ridges along the length of it
the ends of the fingers look larger, giving the 'clubbed' appearance
Finger clubbing generally takes years to develop. But it can happen quicker in certain conditions, such as a lung abscess.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
22 minutes ago
- Yahoo
First new treatment for advanced bladder cancer in decades given green light
A new treatment for advanced bladder cancer which doubles survival time has been given the green light for NHS use. Experts said the approval of the new treatment combination would bring a 'fundamental shift' in care for patients with late-stage disease, saying that until now, the treatment for advanced bladder cancer had not significantly changed since the 1980s. They said there had been real 'unmet need' for patients with advanced disease, with some 29% of people diagnosed with stage 4 cancer – when the cancer has spread to other parts of the body – surviving for a year after diagnosis. It is estimated that 1,250 people a year could benefit from the treatment. The new treatment combination includes enfortumab vedotin, an antibody-drug which is also known as Padcev, made by Astellas and Pfizer – with pembrolizumab, a drug known as a PD-L1 inhibitor, also known as Keytruda, which is made by Merck. Clinical trials suggest that the treatment combination, when tested against platinum-based chemotherapy, led to improved survival for patients. 'Prior to the EV-302 clinical trial, the treatment of advanced bladder cancer treatment hadn't significantly changed since the 1980s,' Professor Thomas Powles, director of Barts Cancer Institute Biomedical Research Centre (QMUL), UK and primary investigator on the trial, said. 'This guidance will fundamentally reshape first-line treatment for eligible patients.' Trial data indicated that patients who took the treatment combination survived for an average of 33.8 months compared to 15.9 months with chemotherapy. Researchers also measured the amount of time people survived without their disease worsening – also known as progression-free survival – and found that people on the combination treatment had just more than a year of progression-free survival compared to half-a-year for those on standard treatment. Three in 10 (30%) patients had a so-called 'complete response' when getting the combination treatment – meaning there was no evidence of cancer remaining. This was compared to 14.5% of those who received chemotherapy. One patient said that taking part in the trial had given him more time with his grandson. Martyn Hewett, 75, from Stratford, east London, received the combination treatment on a trial at Barts Health NHS Trust after surgery to remove his tumours failed. He said: 'I feel very, very lucky, because if I hadn't been on this trial, I imagine I would be dead by now. 'Immediately after the operation that failed, I asked the doctor what the prognosis was, and he said, most people in your position live for a year, and now, three-and-a-half years later here I am. 'I am going to have an extra few years to see my grandson grow up – and maybe even be around to see him get married.' The treatment combination will now be available for NHS patients in England following the approval from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) for patients with 'unresectable or metastatic urothelial cancer for people who are eligible for platinum-containing chemotherapy' and is given as an IV infusion in hospitals or clinics. Dr Timir Patel, medical director of Astellas UK, said: 'The guidance from Nice is excellent news for patients. 'Advanced bladder cancer is in an area where there is a real unmet need. 'This combination therapy changes the standard of care for doctors and their patients.' Helen Knight, director of medicines evaluation at Nice, said: 'This is a highly promising and effective new drug, with clinical trial results highlighting the tremendous difference it could make to the length and quality of people's lives. 'Advanced bladder cancer is a devastating condition which can have a substantial impact on people's daily lives, often leading to them struggling to work, travel or maintain physical activity.' Professor Peter Johnson, NHS England's national clinical director for cancer, said: 'This is one of the most hopeful advances in decades for people with bladder cancer who will now be offered a treatment that can almost double their chances of survival, helping thousands to live longer and giving them more precious moments with their loved ones. 'Bladder cancer is often difficult to treat once it has spread, but this new therapy is the first one in years to really help stop the disease in its tracks, and our rollout to NHS patients will make a huge difference to the lives of those affected and their families.' Jeannie Rigby, chief executive of charity Action Bladder Cancer UK, said: 'This new drug has the potential to increase how long people have before their cancer gets worse and how long they live compared with the current, limited, treatment choices available.' Around 18,000 people in England are diagnosed with bladder cancer each year.
Yahoo
27 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Cardiologists say you might need these 4 heart monitoring devices to check your heart health at home
The right blood pressure cuff or smartwatch may provide valuable information you can share with your healthcare provider. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the U.S., highlighting the importance of staying on top of your heart health and taking proactive measures to manage risk factors and conditions. But while you likely get your blood pressure and blood oxygen saturation levels checked when you visit the doctor, cardiologists say it can be helpful to know your health stats outside of your regularly scheduled appointments. Fortunately, it's never been easier or more convenient to stay on top of your heart health data outside the doctor's office. Smart watches, home blood pressure cuffs and other devices can provide a fast way to learn more about your heart health, giving you useful data you can take to your health care provider. These devices aren't perfect, and they don't replace the need to see your doctor regularly, especially if you have risk factors or other heart disease symptoms. But cardiologists generally agree that they can be an important part of your cardiovascular care plan. "I encourage this for the majority of my patients, particularly those with an existing diagnosis," Dr. Yu-Ming Ni, cardiologist and lipidologist at MemorialCare Heart and Vascular Institute at Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, Calif., tells Yahoo Life. Here's which home heart health monitoring devices may be most useful, plus who can actually benefit from them, according to cardiologists. Table of contents Home blood pressure monitoring cuff Smartwatch with health tracking capabilities ECG monitor An automated external defibrillator (AED) FAQs Meet the experts (back to top) Home blood pressure monitoring cuff These home devices have become increasingly common with patients, Dr. Basel Ramlawi, system chief of cardiothoracic surgery and co-director of the Lankenau Heart Institute at Main Line Health, tells Yahoo Life. Home blood pressure monitors are similar to the ones that are used in doctor's offices; they typically strap onto your arm, squeeze the arm momentarily, then deliver a blood pressure reading. While there are blood pressure monitors that go on the wrist, these are usually less accurate than options that secure to your upper arm, Dr. Christopher Tanayan, cardiologist at Northwell Health, tells Yahoo Life. "These devices are widely accessible, available at pharmacies, local stores or online at relatively low costs," Ramlawi says. "Many patients come to medical visits equipped with printouts or app-generated summaries of their readings, which provide valuable clinical data." Pros and cons of a home blood pressure cuff The big benefit of having a home blood pressure cuff is that it allows you to track blood pressure trends over time, Ramlawi says. This is particularly true if you've had high blood pressure readings when at your doctor's office. The data you compile from a home monitor can be shared with your doctor to help determine a pattern. "It helps mitigate 'white coat syndrome,' where blood pressure readings may be artificially high during a doctor's visit due to anxiety," he says. Research into how home blood pressure cuffs may impact your overall blood pressure has had mixed findings. Some studies have determined that people who use these devices have lower blood pressure than those who don't, while others found that blood pressure is similar whether someone uses a cuff or not. However, doctors stress that these devices can provide information to patients and their health care providers that can be used to make well-informed decisions about ongoing care. Of course, the accuracy of these readings depend a lot on the person using the device, Ramlawi says. "User error — whether in taking measurements or recording data — can limit reliability," he points out. "Additionally, these devices are not a substitute for advanced medical diagnostics." How to use a home blood pressure cuff Cardiologists agree that the best way to use a home blood pressure cuff is to get a reading around the same time every day, unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Ni recommends that his patients get up, brush their teeth and get dressed before taking their blood pressure reading. "They should do this before they eat any food, drink any caffeinated beverages and before they turn on the TV — because anything [on TV] these days can raise your blood pressure," he says. To use a blood pressure cuff, sit at a table with the cuff at arm level and keep your legs uncrossed, Ni says. "Just relax," he adds. You can take several readings to get a more accurate estimate or just one reading. (back to top) Smartwatch with health tracking capabilities Many smartwatches now have features that track health metrics, including electrocardiogram (ECG), a test that measures the electrical activity of the heart. "If you have atrial fibrillation — a heart rhythm disorder — smart watches that have a feature for ECG can be very helpful," Tanayan says. Smartwatches can also measure heart rate (how many heart beats you have per minute) and oxygen saturation, Ramlawi points out. "In some cases, a smartwatch may alert a user to a potentially serious condition that requires further evaluation," he adds. In addition, step counts and stair counts can be helpful for patients who are looking to ramp up their activity for heart health, Ni says. "But what's more commonly used for me and my patients is heart rate monitoring," he says. Many smartwatches and fitness trackers continuously monitor heart rate and track averages for resting heart rate over time. They can also provide useful information on heart rate variances during exercise and whether you're working in heart rate zones helpful for improving cardiovascular fitness during physical activity. Pros and cons of smartwatches to track heart health Smartwatches provide a quick and easy way to stay on top of heart health metrics, and the fact that they're constantly worn can be helpful, Tanayan says. A small 2022 study also found that people who used a smartwatch with a blood pressure-monitoring feature had better blood pressure and resting heart rate readings after three months than before they used the watch. But these devices aren't perfect. "It's crucial to understand the limitations," Ramlawi says. "Smartwatches cannot replace medical-grade monitors nor can they provide direct treatment. They are primarily a tool for identifying potential issues that should prompt a visit to a health care professional." How to use a smartwatch to track heart health Every smart watch is slightly different, but many will clearly state your heart rate and step count in a place that's easy to find (usually on the main screen or by swiping left or down). More complex features like ECG, however, may require you to enter a separate mode to run a brief test. If you're interested in using a smartwatch to track your heart health, check with your health care provider. They may suggest you regularly write down certain metrics or use an app to record them so you can share them with your doctor at your next visit. There are a wide range of smartwatches that can track heart health, but Apple watches have the most features. The Apple Watch series 10 is the latest version, and provides ECG, heart rate monitoring, step counts and more. (back to top) ECG monitor A home ECG monitor (also known as an EKG monitor) allows you to measure your heart beat and rhythm. People who have certain conditions like atrial fibrillation may benefit from tracking their heart rhythm at home, Ni says. Research has also found that for those at high risk of atrial fibrillation, using an ECG monitor at home increases the odds of being diagnosed. However, it's not clear how well these devices help prevent complications of the condition, like stroke and heart failure. Pros and cons of an ECG monitor An ECG monitor makes it easy to get a reading on your heart rate and rhythm without having to go to the doctor. But an ECG monitor is likely not as helpful for people without an atrial fibrillation diagnosis, Tanayan says. "There are so many things that go into interpreting this data," he says. "Getting a notification [about a heartbeat irregularity] when you have no known diagnosis of atrial fibrillation is not as reliable compared to when you know you have atrial fibrillation." Among other things, Tanayan says these alerts can freak out people for no reason. How to use an ECG monitor If you're considering getting an ECG monitor, it's best to check in with your health care provider to see how they want you to use this. That includes when they'd like you to take readings, and how often. But the best way to use an ECG monitor is very similar to how you should use a blood pressure cuff, Ni says. That means sitting down and relaxing before taking your reading, and avoiding taking a reading shortly after exercising or other physical activities. (back to top) An automated external defibrillator (AED) File this under "not for everyone." According to the American Heart Association (AHA), an automated external defibrillator (or AED) is a portable device that delivers an electric shock to the heart during a sudden cardiac arrest when it detects an abnormal rhythm. This shock helps to change the rhythm back to normal. "Automated external defibrillators are life-saving devices," Ramlawi says. Research backs that up, repeatedly suggesting that having an AED at home can help those who are at risk for serious cardiac events. Pros and cons of an AED AEDs can help people who have sudden cardiac arrest, but doctors say they're really only best for someone at risk for these sudden cardiac events. These are also serious medical devices. "Proper training is essential — misuse can lead to dangerous consequences," Ramlawi says. It's also important to note that during a cardiac arrest, you can't use the device on yourself. You have to have someone else at the ready who is trained in using an AED to apply the pads and deliver the shock. For individuals who live alone or who don't have ready assistance when needed, having an AED at home may not be helpful. How to use an AED If you're interested in getting a home AED device, talk to your health care provider or your loved one's health care provider. Proper training is crucial with these devices, both to know when and how to use them. "While AEDs are now commercially available and easy to purchase, individuals should receive training to ensure safe and effective use," Ramlawi says. The American Heart Association is one organization that provides CPR and AED training online. Overall, it's a good idea to talk to a doctor before investing in a device to monitor your heart health. "There are a lot of products out there, and I have personally recommended some to patients," Ni says. "It's important to get a device that patients can feel confident with." Ramlawi agrees. "Research your options, compare models and consult your doctor to ensure you are tracking the right metrics effectively," he says. (back to top) FAQs Who should be monitoring their heart health at home? There are two main groups of people who should consider monitoring their heart health at home, according to Ramlawi. One is people with a known diagnosis. "Patients with cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, arrhythmias or aneurysms can use monitoring to manage their condition and provide their doctors with more comprehensive data," he says. The other group is people who are at risk of developing a heart condition but don't have a diagnosis. "People with a family history of heart disease or other risk factors may use home monitoring as an early detection tool," Ramlawi says. When should you start monitoring your heart health at home? Technically, you can start monitoring your heart health at home at any time. But Tanayan says it's a good idea to talk to a doctor first to see what you should be looking for, the best tools to help and how to use them. Together, you can come up with a plan to keep track of your heart health and gather data that you can bring to future appointments. Can you detect an irregular heartbeat at home? Yes, you can detect an irregular heartbeat at home. An ECG monitor is a good way to do this, although some smart watches also can do an ECG test. Ramlawi just stresses that these devices shouldn't be the only thing you rely on if you get an irregular heartbeat reading. If you get a notice of an irregular heartbeat once, Tanayan says it's unlikely to be a cause for concern. But if this is consistently happening, it's a good idea to flag it to a doctor. When should you contact your doctor about a heart rate reading? Doctors agree that heart rate monitors work best when it comes to establishing a pattern. So, if you get one reading that's high or low, but you otherwise feel fine, Ni says there's no need to panic. But if you find that your heart rate is consistently high or low, he says it's worth contacting your doctor for a proper evaluation. "This should always be confirmed with an official, medical-grade device such as a heart rate monitor," he says. (back to top) Meet the experts Dr. Yu-Ming Ni, cardiologist and lipidologist at MemorialCare Heart and Vascular Institute at Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, Calif. Dr. Basel Ramlawi, system chief of cardiothoracic surgery and co-director of the Lankenau Heart Institute at Main Line Health in Pennsylvania Dr. Christopher Tanayan, cardiologist at Northwell Health in New York City Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.
Wall Street Journal
2 hours ago
- Wall Street Journal
A Moonshot Won't Stop Cancer
In June, I was diagnosed with stage four cancer. This deepened my loathing for an affliction that stole my father and grandmother—an animosity millions of other people share. When citizens feel strongly about something, politicians will try to capitalize on it. They initiate wars. High-tech crusades. Megaspending. Moonshots. There is an instinct to crusade against things we abhor.
