Can nails indicate cancer risks? Look out for these symptoms

Cancer used to be an uncommon disease in past, which is not the case today. Recently, there has been a huge increase in the number of cancer patients. However, cancer can be cured if treated on time.

A new study has found that abnormalities in nails can indicate a person's cancer risks. Scientists at the US National Institutes of Health discovered this problem, known as 'Onychopapilloma', which is seen as a coloured band, typically white or red, along the length of the nail, accompanied by thickening of the nail and the underlying nail bed.

Scientists at the NIH have found that some benign nail abnormality might indicate the presence of a rare inherited disorder known as BAP1 tumour predisposition syndrome. The condition is caused by a mutation in the BAP1 gene. Cancer is more likely to occur in such people.

This condition usually affects only one nail. However, in a study of 47 individuals from 35 families with hereditary cancer, approximately 88 percent had the condition in multiple nails. Edward Cowan, head of the National Dermatology Consultation Services, says that this symptom is rarely seen in the general population.

If you notice any abnormal discoloration or swelling in the nail, consult your doctor immediately.