Sudden bruising or clubbing of the fingers can be a sign of heart disease, lung cancer, and leukemia.
For some conditions, symptoms are often directly related to the disease. For example, lung infections, as well as infectious diseases, often cause a persistent cough. When chest pain occurs, it can indicate that the body is having heart problems. However, in many cases, symptoms may have nothing to do with the disease.
Some little-noticed signs on the fingers could indicate a person is suffering from one of three dangerous diseases. According to experts, fingers can provide clues to heart disease, lung cancer and leukemia. While most of these signs are probably harmless, if they persist or become more serious, you should consult a medical professional.
Two signs to pay attention to are:
Finger clubbing
Clubbing of the fingers has larger than normal tips, the nails may curve, and the skin around them may become shiny, according to Cancer Research UK (CRUK). It can be a sign of a number of different underlying conditions, especially those affecting the lungs or heart, such as lung cancer and mesothelioma.
This type of finger can also appear in some people with thyroid problems or other conditions such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease (chronic regional enteritis).
This “abnormal” symptom can take years to develop. If you notice this on your hands, you should consult a specialist immediately.
Finger bruise
Bruising on the fingers is very rare and this could be a blood related problem. Unexplained bruising could be a potential sign of leukemia, a type of blood cancer.
One of the common signs and symptoms of leukaemia is bruising, says Simon Ridley, research director at the charity Leukaemia UK. These bruises are different from the usual ones, as they can appear in unusual or unexpected places, such as on an adult’s hands.
Unexplained bruises, including on the fingers, may be a sign of leukemia. Image: Very Well Health
Swollen finger joints, even if they do not appear directly on the finger, can be a sign of a dangerous condition that is often asymptomatic, such as tendon fibrosis caused by cholesterol buildup in the hands. This means the body has high cholesterol, a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke and stroke. Xanthoma can also appear around the eyes as small yellow spots.
If you have any unexplained symptoms or concerns, talk to your doctor right away.