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Finger clubbing

System: Chest & Breathing Signs · All chest & breathing signs

What it is — and how it is elicited

Bulbous enlargement of the fingertips with loss of the normal angle between nail and nail bed, so the nails look like drumsticks or watch glasses.

What a positive finding suggests

Associated with lung cancer, chronic suppurative lung disease, interstitial lung disease, cyanotic heart disease and some gut and liver conditions.

Related signs — Chest & Breathing Signs

Barrel chestBiot's breathingBronchophonyCheyne–Stokes respirationD'Espine signEgophony

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Please note: This page is an educational reference about clinical examination signs. A clinical sign supports — and never replaces — a full clinical evaluation, examination and appropriate testing. A sign being present does not by itself prove a diagnosis, and an absent sign does not rule one out. If you have symptoms that worry you, see a health professional.