Twenty-five-year-old fitness trainer Brian Gemmell discovered he had late-stage lung cancer after noticing an unusual sign: a swelling on his finger. Remarkably, he had no other typical symptoms associated with this disease.
“I’m incredibly grateful to the medical team for their quick and accurate decision-making that saved my life. But it’s equally important to listen to our bodies and be aware of any unusual signs,” Brian shared on the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation’s page. He encouraged everyone to seek medical attention immediately if they noticed anything out of the ordinary.
Brian’s story began when he observed this swelling on his finger, which prompted him to research online and then promptly seek medical attention. X-rays and CT scans revealed a large tumor in his right lung, already in the late stages. Fortunately, the doctors were able to surgically remove the tumor, saving his life.

According to People magazine, Brian’s finger displayed a rare condition called “drumstick finger,” characterized by a swollen nail and finger with an abnormally curved shape. This sign is often associated with lung cancer or respiratory issues.
Cleveland Clinic (USA) emphasizes that drumstick finger may not always be painful and might not indicate any health issues. However, it can sometimes signal serious underlying conditions, especially lung-related problems.
The Schamroth window test can easily be performed by anyone to check for this sign. Simply press the nails of your index fingers together; a healthy finger alignment will create a small, diamond-shaped space between the nails. If this space is absent, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional.
Experts caution against ignoring any subtle signals from our bodies, as they could indicate life-threatening conditions such as lung cancer, which is currently one of the leading causes of death worldwide.