Subungual Melanoma

I visited the Doctor 10 months ago as I thought I had a fungal toe infection, my nail was discoloured, clippings were taken but they came back negative, no further treatment. Since then the nail had developed a thick black stripe and another nail just fell off so back to doctors I went yesterday. I am in a little bit of shock today as 24 hrs later I have an appointment with a skin specialist at our local hospital. I have read a few articles on melanoma on line and cant take all of it in yet - is there anyone on here that undestands this type of cancer?

  • It seems that it is not a common cancer, I have read about Bob Marley. I had not heard about it before so did not really take any notice.

  • Hi Skeggie, 

    We have some information on our Cancer Help site about melanoma that I have linked for you here

    You mention that the type of cancer you you are asking about is not common. I will ask one of our team of nurses if they can post here with any information for you.

    Alternatively if you think it might be helpful to chat with one of them then you can call them Monday to Friday on 0808 800 4040 (free from a UK landline and most mobile networks). 

    Best wishes, 

    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator

  • Thank you very much, I am much more positive today after reading some of the other posts about different types of cancer. I have decided to take one step at a time , it may not be as bad as my imagination and until I am told there is no point in worrying :) I am very impressed by the treatment from my GP and the speed of the appointment so that is a load of my mind. - I will keep you posted, I have 8 days to go to my appointment. Kind Regards, Mary.

  • Hello Skeggie,

    I am one of the enquiry team nurses. Jenn asked us to have a look at your post in case there was anything useful we could tell you. As you know, rarely melanoma can occur under the nail (subungual) and it could be a possibility with the sort of nail change you describe (a thick black stripe), but so could others things as well. So you need to be checked out sooner rather than later, but for now I don’t think it is certain what is the matter.

    This is usually quite an unsettling  place to find yourself in. I think taking it one step at a time is a good strategy. When you see the hospital skin specialist (dermatologist) they will be able to tell you more. They may want to take a tissue biopsy in which case you would have to wait another week or two before getting the full picture.

    For now, it may not help to delve too much into this type of melanoma because this might not be what is the matter. Sometimes it can be hard not to worry, but as you say it doesn’t help; people often say that keeping busy does.  I hope the time between now and your appointment passes quickly.

    Do get back to the nurse team if there is anything you want to ask us. You can call us on 0808 800 4040 or ask us a question through our enquiry form here .

     

    Best wishes,


    Julia

  • Many Thanks for the information and advice. I am doing exactly what you say and keeping busy I will let you know after the appointment x

  • Saw the Dermatologist today and it seems that I have had a fungal nail infection for a long time and the black stripe on my nail is probably due to damage at some time. he was very thorough and took scrapings to test to be sure. I have a 4 month course of tablets and he is seeing me again in April. I feel a bit of a fool but he was very nice to me and said it is always better to get things checked properly (like you said:) So thank you for 'being there'.

     

    This is a fantastic site and I will certainly be doing whatever I can for Cancer Research this year, you all do a brilliant job xxxxxxxxxx

  • Hi skeggie,

    I hope you are well and all the worry is over. Don't feel like a fool. I'm fearing the same diagnosis for someone I know. They have had part of their nail removed and I can't help but assume it will be bad news. I pray I am wrong as it is a rare condition 

  • Hi! I'm new to this forum but have just had the top half of my right index finger amputated to remove a subungual melanoma, and am interested in contacting anyone else living with part of a finger or subungual diagnosis.

  • Hi I have recently had the first biopsy done on my right thumb I have had twin stripes for over 6 years and only recently went to the skin clinic. My first results have come back showing pigment and I am waiting for another biopsy this thurs (today being Mon) since the first biopsy my pigment has spread and a new line has appeared. I am very scared because of the change in pigment and the lack of information out there if you are not a doctor and dont understand the jargon. I hope all went well with yours let me know if you have any useful information or links that I could read. Best of luck from Australia 

  • Hey Chalmers30,

     

    How long did you have the nail discolouration? Did your melanoma spread anywhere else?

    Ive had dark stripes in my little finger for a good four years and recently noticed more stripes :(. I didnt think much of it before but im so so worried now.

    How has your follow up treatment been? And how long did it take to recieve a diagnosis?

     

    Sorry for all the questions!

    x