In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to overlook the subtle signals our bodies send us, especially when it comes to minor changes in our hands and feet. However, Dr. Hoang Hien, a specialist in chest medicine and critical care, shares on Sohu that these small signs could be early warnings of cancer. If you notice any unusual lumps, pain, blood clots, or fractures in your hands and feet, don’t ignore them.
1. Appearance of hard, fixed lumps on the hands and feet
Dr. Hoang states that bones are a common site for cancer metastasis, particularly in cancers such as breast, prostate, lung, and kidney. If you suddenly notice a hard lump with unclear boundaries that cannot be moved under the skin of your limbs, it’s important to get imaging tests done to rule out bone cancer or bone metastasis.
2. Clubbing of the fingers and toes
When the fingertips or toes become swollen and rounded, and the nail beds curve like a rainbow, it could indicate chronic oxygen deprivation in the limbs. This is a common feature in lung cancer patients and may be associated with Hyperviscosity Pulmonary Osteoarthropathy (HPOA), a significant warning sign of severe lung issues.
3. Persistent pain in the hands and feet, especially at night
If you experience deep, hard-to-locate pain that persists and worsens at night, it could be a sign of cancer cells attacking the bones or nerves. When coupled with systemic symptoms such as weight loss and night sweats, early medical examination is crucial to rule out malignant cancer.
4. Unexplained blood clots in the hands and feet
Cancer can cause the blood to become more prone to clotting, leading to deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Research shows that cancer patients with DVT have a 2.8 to 14.7 times higher risk of death than those without, underscoring the seriousness of this condition.
5. Difficulty moving hands and feet or prone to fractures
If you experience unexplained difficulty in movement or fractures with minimal impact, it could indicate that cancer has eroded the bones. Pathological fractures are often one of the first signs of underlying cancer in the body.
Dr. Hoang advises the public to be vigilant, not only by having regular check-ups but also by paying attention to unusual changes in their hands and feet during daily activities. If you notice any swelling or nail deformities, taking photos can help with monitoring and providing valuable information during medical consultations.
