Changes that occur at the nail level can provide important information about the general health, sometimes early signs of serious conditions.
Possible signs of cancer that appear on nails HEALTH & DMS collage
Although in recent years the nails have become a means of artistic expression, through colors, shapes or unique decorations, they retain an essential role: that of an indicator of the body's health.
Eg the presence of brown nails or fingers with appearance of “Damage sticks” It may indicate both cancer and other serious diseases, such as lung or cardiovascular disease. These visible nail marks should not be ignored, as they may indicate internal disorders that require a detailed medical evaluation, the publication mentions El Español.
Nail changes: subtle signs of internal imbalances – Mees lines
Normally, healthy nails have a pink-pale color and a smooth surface. Not every change of them is a cause for concern, but certain changes in color, texture or form can signal internal imbalances.
Periodic nail monitoring can contribute to the early identification of nutritional deficiencies, hormonal disorders or liver, thyroid or heart disease.
However, some serious diseases, including certain types of cancer, can change the appearance of nails. An example of this is the appearance of Mees – white, horizontal lines that cross the nail from one edge to another. These lines, also known as striated leuconichia, can affect several nails simultaneously and, in some cases, are associated with the presence of Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Careful observation of nails, in combination with monitoring other general symptoms, can be an important step in identifying possible health problems that require additional specialized investigations.
What can indicate brown nails: “It is important to exclude serious conditions”
The appearance of nails can be caused by the effects of chemotherapy, but also by heavy metal poisoning or may be a symptom of septicemia, chronic renal failure or congestive heart failure. There are also other signs of cancer, such as brown nails.
The technical name of this condition is melanonichia, which “Describe a black-brown pigmentation. This can be caused by the deposit of melanin or by a hematoma resulting from a trauma,” explain the specialists, adding that “It can appear throughout the nail, in the form of longitudinal lines or diffuse spots”. Experts emphasize that if we observe this feature at nails, it is important to “We exclude serious conditions.”
Melanonichia can be a less known sign of a nail tumor, known as subungial melanoma.
This can also be caused by the effects of chemotherapy, antipaludic or retroviral drugs. At the same time, it may result from trauma or psoriasis.
The bond between cancer and fingers in the form of drum sticks
Another important type of nail marks that could be related to cancer is called acropachie, a condition that causes what doctors call “Fingers in the form of drum sticks”. This phenomenon is manifested by increasing and rounding the tip of the fingers and nails, with a significant change in their shape.
Acropachia is one “Clinical sign characterized by the thickening and enlargement of the distal phalanges of the hands and/or legs, as well as by increasing the convexity of the nails”, explains the specialists. The tips of the fingers become rounded, like the buttons.
These nail changes are commonly associated with pulmonary disorders, such as COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), pulmonary fibrosis and even cancer.
Acropachia can also be related to heart or digestive disorders, such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
Fortunately, this condition is reversible if the cause that causes it is eliminated. Usually, it starts with your thumb and forefinger, gradually expanding to the other fingers.
