Doctor warns of little-known nail symptom that could be sign of life-threatening disease
Nails that aren't "smooth" or "consistent" in colour should sound alarm bells.
Cancer is a deadly disease that occurs when abnormal cells grow and divide in an uncontrolled way. They can then spread to surrounding tissues and organs.
There are more than 200 types of cancer that can affect the human body, therefore it is impossible to be aware of all the possible symptoms.
The warning signs typically correlate with where in the body the disease has started, for example, lung cancer can cause a persistent cough and bowel cancer can lead to blood in your stools.
However, sometimes the telltale signs are less obvious and can appear in seemingly unlikely places.
According to one expert, one such warning sign could be a change in your nails, which is linked to several health issues including cancer and fluid on the lungs.
Doctor Amir Khan, who is a regular guest on ITV’s Lorraine, explained that healthy nails should feel “smooth” and have a “consistent colour all the way through”.
Some changes to your nails are nothing to worry about, though.
An injury can cause a spot of colour to appear, while ageing can lead to vertical ridges developing along the nails.
In an Instagram post, the doctor revealed that spotting any changes could help a clinician get to the root of your problem if you're presenting other symptoms too.
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But more specifically he warned his followers to watch out for yellow nail syndrome as a potential sign of cancer.
"Yellow nail syndrome is when the nails turn yellow, get thicker and don't grow as fast," he said.
"It can be a sign of cancer, fluid on the lungs, bronchitis and rheumatoid arthritis... It's also worth noting that nails can be affected by chemotherapy."
The Cleveland Clinic, in the US, describes yellow nail syndrome as a “rare condition that affects your nails, lungs and limbs”.
“People with yellow nail syndrome get yellow, curved nails that may thicken or fall off,” it says.
This might be accompanied by respiratory symptoms, such as a chronic cough, as well as swollen lower legs or ankles, known as oedema.
Experts don’t know exactly what causes yellow nail syndrome.
However, it is associated with poor circulation, issues with lymphatic drainage or buildup of fluid around your lungs.
The clinic adds that yellow nail syndrome is more common in people over the age of 50. It “rarely” occurs in children.
The clinic lists causes conditions linked to yellow nail syndrome as:
- Autoimmune diseases
- Cancer
- Nephrotic syndrome
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Thyroid disease.
Yellow nails could also be caused by fungal infections, smoking or using nail polish.
The NHS urges anyone whose nail has changed shape, colour, or fallen off - without any known reason - to contact their GP.
You should also seek medical attention if the skin around your nails has become “sore, red, swollen and warm” as this can be a sign of an infection or an ingrown toenail.
