Researchers have found a seemingly harmless change in your nails could be an indicator of a rare tumour. A white or red stripe running the length of the nail may signal an increased risk of cancer in the skin, eyes, and kidneys.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) looked at data which revealed that individuals with BAP1 tumour predisposition syndrome, a rare genetic disorder, often exhibit onychopapilloma – a benign condition which causes thickened nails with a red streak.
Additional symptoms to look out for include white or brown bands along the nail. There can also be splitting or splintering of the nail and signs of bleeding underneath it.
While onychopapilloma typically affects just one nail in the broader population, those with BAP1 syndrome usually have multiple nails affected. Research hope their findings will aid in identifying individuals at risk of BAP1, advising: “Referral for genetic counselling is recommended when this distinct nail finding involves multiple nails.”
Edward Cowen, head of Dermatology Consultation Services at NIH’s National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, penned in the JAMA Dermatology journal: “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 tumour predisposition syndrome.”, reports Gloucestershire Live.
The research scrutinised data from 47 individuals aged between 13 to 72 across 35 families, all carrying BAP1 variants. It revealed that approximately 87% of those with BAP1 tumour predisposition syndrome exhibited nail abnormalities.
These included nail splitting and splinter haemorrhages, many indicative of onychopapilloma.
The study, published in JAMA Dermatology, found that onychopapillomas impacted multiple nails in roughly 97% of participants with BAP1 tumor predisposition syndrome who had the nail condition. In contrast, this condition typically affects just one nail in the broader population.
