Could Your Fingernails Be Telling You Something About Your Lungs?

Have you ever pressed your fingernails together and noticed a small, diamond-shaped gap of light between them?

If you don’t see this “diamond gap,” it might be time to pay attention—especially if your fingertips look swollen. This could be a sign of finger clubbing, which is associated with lung conditions, including lung cancer.

What Is Finger Clubbing?

Finger clubbing is when the tips of your fingers become enlarged and the nails begin to curve more than usual. It develops in stages:

• Stage 1: The base of the nail softens and the skin around the nail becomes shiny.
• Stage 2: Nails start to curve downward when viewed from the side.
• Stage 3: The ends of your fingers may swell due to fluid buildup in the soft tissue.

Although not having the diamond-shaped gap doesn’t automatically mean you have lung cancer, finger clubbing is present in around 35% of people with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and 4% of those with small cell lung cancer. If you notice this change, it’s best to consult your doctor for further evaluation.

---

A Real-Life Story: Brian Gemmell

For Brian Gemmell, finger clubbing wasn’t just a curious change in his hands—it was the only sign that saved his life.

“I wasn’t sick. No cough, no breathlessness, no blood in my sputum—nothing,” Brian said. “The only thing I noticed was that when I pressed my fingertips together, I couldn’t see that diamond gap.”

Thankfully, his GP recognized the warning sign and immediately referred him for a chest X-ray. A PET scan confirmed the cancer was localized in his lung. Brian underwent surgery to have the affected lung removed—and his lymph nodes were clear.

“It was scary,” he recalled. “I wondered how I would live without a lung. But my surgeon was optimistic and that gave me hope too. I’m still here today because of that early detection.”

---

Don’t Ignore the Signs

Brian’s story is a powerful reminder that sometimes, small changes can point to something serious.

“If you notice anything unusual—like clubbing, a persistent cough, or changes in your breathing—see your GP. Don’t wait.”

Some people fear being a burden to the healthcare system, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. But your health matters, and the NHS is still here for you.

Dr. Helen Piercy, a GP in West Lancashire, reassures patients:

“Even during lockdown, it’s always been okay to contact your GP. If something feels off, make that call. You’ll be assessed and brought in if needed.”

---

Know the Symptoms of Lung Cancer

While Brian’s only symptom was finger clubbing, others may experience a variety of signs—or none at all. Watch for:

• Persistent cough lasting more than 3 weeks
• Breathlessness or wheezing
• Frequent chest infections
• Chest or shoulder pain
• Coughing up blood or blood-streaked mucus
• Fatigue or lack of energy
• Hoarseness
• Swelling in the face or neck

Bottom Line:

If you notice any unusual symptoms, speak with your doctor. Early detection saves lives. Even if it turns out to be nothing serious, peace of mind is worth the visit. And if it’s something more? You’ve given yourself the best chance by acting quickly.

Your fingernails might be trying to tell you something. Are you paying attention?

---

Let me know if you’d like this formatted for social media, email, or blog publishing!