Changes in the nails can be a sign of certain dangerous diseases, including cancer, yet they are often overlooked.

Cancer is a serious illness that occurs when abnormal cells grow, divide uncontrollably, and spread to surrounding tissues and organs. There are currently more than 200 types of cancer that can affect the human body.

Warning signs of cancer usually correlate with the part of the body where the disease begins, but sometimes these signs may appear in unexpected places—such as on your nails.

According to information cited by the Daily Express from Dr. Amir Khan in the UK, yellow nail syndrome may be a potential sign of cancer. He emphasized that when nails turn yellow, become thicker, and grow more slowly than usual, this may indicate cancer, fluid buildup in the lungs, bronchitis, or rheumatoid arthritis.

The Cleveland Clinic in the US has also described yellow nail syndrome as a rare condition that affects the nails, lungs, and limbs. People with yellow nail syndrome often have curved, yellow nails that may thicken over time. This can be accompanied by other symptoms such as chronic cough, swelling in the lower legs or ankles (also known as peripheral edema).

Experts at Cleveland believe yellow nail syndrome is linked to poor circulation, lymphatic drainage problems, or fluid buildup around the lungs. The condition is more common in people over 50 and rarely occurs in children.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, possible causes of yellow nail syndrome include autoimmune diseases, cancer, nephrotic syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and thyroid disorders. Yellow nails may also be caused by fungal infections or smoking.

The UK’s National Health Service (NHS) advises that you should undergo a full health check as soon as possible if you notice your nails changing in shape, color, or detaching for no clear reason.

You should also seek medical care if the skin around your nails becomes painful, red, swollen, and hot, as these could be signs of an infection or an ingrown nail.