A Surprising Link Between Your Nails and CANCER?

There’s one word we never want to hear come out of our doctor’s mouth. “Cancer.”

The mere thought of facing this devastating diagnosis leaves patients feeling of helpless and overwhelmed.

That’s why any clues that could tip us off to an increased risk before cancer strikes are absolutely crucial.

In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have found that a seemingly benign nail abnormality may be a telltale sign of a rare inherited disorder that dramatically increases the risk of developing various cancerous tumors.

Let’s look at the findings.

The condition, known as BAP1 tumor predisposition syndrome, is caused by mutations in the BAP1 gene, which normally acts as a tumor suppressor. Individuals with this syndrome are at a heightened risk of developing cancerous tumors of the skin, eyes, kidneys, and the tissue that lines the chest and abdomen, known as the mesothelium.

The NIH scientists stumbled upon this discovery while studying participants enrolled in a screening for BAP1 variants at the NIH Clinical Center.

As part of the study, participants aged 2 and older underwent annual dermatology screenings. It was during one of these screenings that a particularly observant patient mentioned subtle changes in his nails, prompting the researchers to take a closer look.

Biopsies of the nail and underlying nail bed in several participants confirmed the presence of a benign tumor abnormality called onychopapilloma. This condition causes a colored band (usually white or red) along the length of the nail, accompanied by thickening of the nail underlying the color change and thickening at the end of the nail. While onychopapilloma typically affects only one nail in the general population, a staggering 88 percent of study participants with known BAP1 tumor predisposition syndrome aged 30 and older had multiple nails affected.

The implications of this finding are profound. As co-lead author and genetic counselor Alexandra Lebensohn, M.S., of NIH’s National Cancer Institute (NCI) explains, “This finding is rarely seen in the general population, and we believe the presence of nail changes that suggest onychopapillomas on multiple nails should prompt consideration of a diagnosis of BAP1 tumor predisposition syndrome.”

For individuals with a personal or family history of melanoma or other potential BAP1-associated malignancy, nail screening may be particularly valuable in identifying those at risk.

Early detection of BAP1 tumor predisposition syndrome could lead to more targeted cancer screening and potentially life-saving interventions.

As we continue to unravel the mysteries of cancer and search for ways to detect and prevent this devastating disease, discoveries like this one offer a glimmer of hope. By paying attention to seemingly insignificant changes in our bodies, like a subtle nail abnormality, we may be able to identify those at increased risk and take proactive steps to protect their health.

While the prospect of facing cancer can be terrifying, staying informed about the latest research and being proactive about your health, allows you to arm yourself with the best tools to fight back.

So, the next time you notice a change in your nails, don’t dismiss it as a mere cosmetic issue. It could be your body’s way of sending you a silent warning. Be sure to consult your doctor if you notice any changes.

To your health and well-being,

Rachel Mace
Managing Editorial Director, e-Alert
with contributions from the research team

P.S. What EVERY senior should know about bladder cancer.

Sources:

Alexandra Lebensohn et al. (2024). Multiple Onychopapillomas and BAP1 Tumor Predisposition Syndrome. JAMA Dermatology. DOI: 10.1001/jamadermatol.2024.1804