I have something of value to share with you that is a quick and easy method that could help you recognize a sign of early lung cancer. You can do it in right in the comfort of your home—and all you need are your fingers.
For years, medical professionals have relied on this simple test to screen for cancer. It's called the Schamroth window test.
So, here is the step-by-step method of the test:
Step 1: You have to use your index finger on both the hands for more accuracy Step 2: Put the nails of the index finger together and look for the hole between the cuticles. Step 3: In a normal person there will a hole in the shape of a diamond. Step 4: If no hole is formed between the cuticles, then it's an early warning sign of lung cancer.
Simply by holding your fingernails together you may spot a deformity called “finger clubbing.”
That's important because clubbing affects some folks with underlying lung or heart diseases—including bronchiectasis, emphysema, cystic fibrosis, and more.
But the most COMMON cause of finger clubbing is lung cancer or other respiratory diseases.
Some scientists believe it occurs when enhanced blood flow causes fluid to build up in the soft tissue of the fingertips. Other scientists think clubbing is the result of platelet-derived growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor.
Now, if you have clubbed fingers, it doesn't necessarily mean you have some kind of lung or heart disease but it is worthy of getting yourself evaluated by your physician for a respiratory or heart condition.
It is important to note that finger clubbing occurs in about 35 percent of patients with non-small cell lung cancer—the most common form of the disease. And it only occurs in 4 percent of people with small cell lung cancer.
It's also seen in patients with mesothelioma—a type of cancer that targets the lining of the lungs and chest wall.
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