What are the symptoms of nail melanoma?

The main symptoms of subungual melanoma include:

• brown or black streaks in the nail without any known injury.
• streaks on the nails that increase in size.
• a bruise on the nail that will not heal or move up as the fingernail grows.
• fingernails or toenails that separate from the nail bed.
• darkening skin next to the nail.

How does toenail melanoma start?

Melanoma of the nail unit originates from activation and proliferation of melanin producing melanocytes of the nail matrix. Injury or trauma may be a factor, accounting for the greater incidence in the big toe and thumb (75–90% of cases).

Where does toenail melanoma spread to?

The discoloration grows, and at what rate it does so. It’s in the nail bed of your thumb, big toe, or index finger, although it can be seen in other fingers and toes. It shows the “Hutchinson sign,” that is, it spreads from the nail bed to the area around it.

How long can you live with subungual melanoma?

Subungual melanoma has been associated with a poor prognosis, with a 10–30% 5-year survival, usually attributed to the delay in diagnosis (8–11). Early dermoscopic examination and biopsy of suspicious lesions, followed by amputation of the digit in those proving positive is the treatment of choice (8).

How do you test for nail melanoma?

To correctly diagnose subungual melanoma, your doctor will need to conduct a biopsy. It will most likely be a punch biopsy, which is a procedure in which a tube-like instrument with a sharp end works like a cookie cutter to take a small sample. This small sample will be tested for melanoma.

Where does subungual melanoma start?

What is subungual melanoma? Subungual melanoma is a type of melanoma in the nails. Unlike other types of nail melanoma that grow in the surrounding skin, this type begins in the nail matrix. The nail matrix is a part of the nail bed that protects the underlying skin.

Where does melanoma usually start?

Melanomas can develop anywhere on the skin, but they are more likely to start on the trunk (chest and back) in men and on the legs in women. The neck and face are other common sites.

What are the signs of melanoma?

Unusual moles, sores, lumps, blemishes, markings, or changes in the way an area of the skin looks or feels may be a sign of melanoma or another type of skin cancer, or a warning that it might occur. A normal mole is usually an evenly colored brown, tan, or black spot on the skin. It can be either flat or raised. It can be round or oval.

How do I know if I have subungual melanoma?

Subungual melanoma is difficult to detect on your own. As a rule of thumb, you should see your doctor right away if you notice any unusual changes or growths in your nail. To correctly diagnose subungual melanoma, your doctor will need to conduct a biopsy.

What does nail melanoma look like?

Unlike other types of nail melanoma that grow in the surrounding skin, this type begins in the nail matrix. The nail matrix is a part of the nail bed that protects the underlying skin. Sometimes melanoma looks like other conditions that affect the nail bed, such as a bruise.

How is melanoma diagnosed and staged?

Staging of Melanoma. To determine whether the melanoma has metastasized, there are various tests the oncologist can turn to include the biopsy of sentinel lymph nodes (the nodes nearest the tumor) and imaging techniques such as computerized tomography (CT scan) or positron emission tomography (PET scan).