With the vast array of health conditions out there and warning symptoms to be aware of its easy to get overwhelmed and unsure.
Certain body parts are notorious for warning of underlying health conditions, particularly the eyes, skin, nails and fingers.
For example, some studies have suggested a relationship between the length of the ring finger in men and the likelihood of contracting prostate cancer.
Turns out the longer the ring finger relative to the index finger, the possible greater risk.
In terms of health conditions and the link to your fingers, finger clubbing is also a symptom to be aware of.
What is finger clubbing?
Finger clubbing occurs when the amount of soft tissue beneath the nail beds increases. It's also a symptom that can occur in some congenital heart disorders and liver disorders.
In some cases, clubbing may be inherited and not indicate any underlying health condition, so the best thing to do if you're worried is speak to a GP.
However, sometimes it can indicate a health issue, so here are some you should be aware of.
Cancer
“Finger clubbing can be a sign of a number of underlying health conditions, particularly of the lungs or heart,” says Cancer Research UK.
The site added: “This includes cancer such as lung cancer and mesothelioma.
“But finger clubbing can also be found in some people with thyroid problems or other conditions such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.”
Liver disease
Finger clubbing is a well-recognised sign of chronic liver disease.
In studies, primary cirrhosis and the presence of finger clubbing was strongly associated.
Cirrhosis is scarring of the liver caused by long-term liver damage and can be fatal.
Mount Sinai Health System warns of changes on the fingers indicating liver problems which include:
- Nail beds softening
- Nails forming a sharper angle with the cuticle
- Last part of the finger appearing large or bulging
- Nail curving downward looking like an upside-down spoon
According to experts, other health conditions linked with finger clubbing may include:
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Liver diseases
- Pulmonary diseases
- AIDS
If you have any changes in the appearance of your fingers, such as becoming more curved or their ends becoming larger, you should raise this with your GP.