Trending There are also less obvious signs of lung cancer, such as a subtle change in the base of your nail. According to Cancer Research UK, if the base of the nail (nail bed) becomes soft and the skin next to the nail bed becomes shiny, it could signal the first stage of finger clubbing. Finger clubbing means specific changes in the shape of your fingers and fingernails - it is also called digital clubbing or hippocratic fingers. Lung cancer: If your fingers have become swollen for no apparent reason, speak to your GP (Image: Getty Images) READ MORE What causes lung cancer?