Faint lines on your nails could be a sign that you’re at risk of cancer, experts say.
A small thickened area under the nail, along with a red or white stripe running down it, may indicate a rare genetic disorder that can lead to the condition.
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Most nail changes are likely the result of nutritional deficiencies.
But a new study finds that these specific issues may be a sign of BAP1 tumor predisposition syndrome.
The rare condition affects a gene that stops the body’s cells from growing quickly and turning into tumor masses.
The gene also plays a crucial role in repairing DNA damage in cells, which protects against the growth and spread of cancer cells.
The inherited disease is associated with an increased risk of cancerous tumors in the skin, eyes, kidneys and mesothelium lining the chest and abdomen.
Every year, around 167,000 people die from cancer in the UK.
Previous studies have shown that nail marks can be a sign of skin cancer melanoma.
The video below shows how the line can grow and develop over time.
The latest study, published JAMA Dermatologylooked at how many people with BAP1 tumor predisposition syndrome had nail abnormalities.
They found that 88% of participants, aged 30 and over, had the disease in multiple nails.
Alexandra Lebensohn, a researcher at the National Cancer Institute who helped lead the study, said: “When asked about nail health during an initial genetic evaluation, one very astute patient reported that he had noticed subtle changes in his nails.
“His comment led us to systematically evaluate other participants for nail changes and discover this new finding.”
Experts found a small, thick area of skin under the nail and a white stripe running down the nail, which is consistent with onychopapilloma, a type of benign tumor.
The tumor is believed to affect the production and distribution of keratin, a type of protein that the body naturally produces to make nails.
White lines represent higher levels of keratinization or areas where the nail has been lifted or distorted by the underlying tumor.
It turned out that 39 of the 47 participants had onychopapilloma, most of them male and mainly on the thumbnail.
Edward Cowen, a dermatologist at the NIH’s National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, said, “We believe that the presence of nail changes that suggest onychopapillomas in multiple nails should prompt consideration of a diagnosis of BAP1 tumor predisposition syndrome.”
What your hands can reveal about your health
YOUR hands can say a lot about your health status.
From what a weak handshake means for your heart to how the length of your fingers could indicate a risk of cancer, they can reveal a lot.
GP Dr Sarah Garsed says: “We often start with hand scans when patients come to us.
“We can identify large quantities of them, so any prolonged changes in your hands we recommend you check with your GP.”
Here we see everything you should look for:
Enlarged fingertips
Sudden growth in your fingertips may be a reason to seek advice about your respiratory health.
Dr Garsed says: “This symptom is basically an increase in tissue around the fingertips.
“This is not something you should ignore as it could be a sign that you have low oxygen in your blood.
“Low blood oxygen is always a warning sign as it can indicate early signs of lung disease and is something that can be checked with a simple blood test carried out by your GP.”
Weak grip
A weak handshake has long been associated with nervousness or being a bit of a coward — but it can signal something much more significant.
In fact, a poor grip may indicate a shorter life expectancy.
A national study published in the British Medical Journal found that those who develop weakness in midlife have a 20% increased risk of death from heart disease, respiratory disease and cancer.
Long index fingers
The length of your fingers can give clues about your health – especially if you’re a man.
A study in the International Journal of Medical Sciences found that if your index finger is much longer than your ring finger, it may be a sign of coronary artery disease.
However, men whose index fingers are the same length or longer than their ring fingers are 33 percent less likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer, according to a 2010 study published in the British Journal of Cancer.
Red, white or blue fingers
Fingers that turn white, red or blue may suggest poor circulation.
Often, a change in temperature from hot to cold, or exposure to long periods of cold temperatures, causes the color change, but extreme stress or trauma can also trigger it.
Dr. Garsed says: “Regular bouts of extreme color change in the fingers show that your circulation is not working properly and is usually a sign of Raynaud’s disease.
“Lack of adequate blood supply is what causes fingers to turn white or blue, while a sudden return of blood circulation to the area is what causes redness and swelling.”
Small red rash
Small red bumps or blisters on the hands or wrists may indicate a food allergy.
Sensitivity to nickel – traces of which are found in foods such as beans and legumes, chocolate, peanuts, soy, oats and granola – is a common allergy. If you have a persistent rash on your hands, it could be a sign.
Garsed says, “You can easily find out if you have an allergy by simply cutting out foods that contain nickel and seeing if the rash goes away.”
White marks, known clinically as leukonychia, can also be caused by an allergic reaction to nail polish, lip gloss, hardener or nail polish remover.
White spots can also result from injuries to the nail, such as closing your fingers in a door or accidentally hitting them with a hammer.
The 22 Most Common Cancer Symptoms You Should Check Today
There are more than 200 different types of cancer that can cause all types of symptoms.
From swelling to loss of voice – it seems almost anything can be a sign of the disease.
But there are 22 indicators that come up most frequently, according to Cancer Research UK (CRUK).
And identifying them early and seeing a doctor right away gives you the best chance of survival:
1. Fatigue
2. Aches and pains
3. Bruising
4. Night sweats
5. Weight loss
6. Cough
7. Lumps or swelling
8. Loss of appetite
9. Changes in moles
10. Skin changes
11. Heartburn
12. Hoarse voice
13. Ulcers
14. Difficulty swallowing
15. Shortness of breath
16. Breast changes
17. Bloating
18. Changes in bowel habits
19. Blood in poop
20. Vaginal bleeding
21. Blood in the pee
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
