What should you know about melanoma under the toenail bed?
Melanoma under the toenail, called subungual melanoma, is a rare but serious form of skin cancer that develops in the pigment cells beneath your nail. It most commonly affects the big toe or thumb and isn't related to sun exposure.
Key signs to watch for
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What should you know about melanoma under the toenail bed?
Melanoma under the toenail, called subungual melanoma, is a rare but serious form of skin cancer that develops in the pigment cells beneath your nail. It most commonly affects the big toe or thumb and isn't related to sun exposure.
Key signs to watch for:
- A narrow brown or black vertical streak or band on the nail (usually less than 3mm wide)
- The streak may widen over time, starting at the nail base
- Discolored skin around or below the nail (Hutchinson's sign)
- Nail pain, thinning, cracking, or splitting
- Bumps under the nail
It's important to note that nearly half of subungual melanomas have no color at all, making them harder to detect. They can look like bruises, but unlike bruises, these dark streaks won't fade away.
Who's at higher risk:
Subungual melanoma is more common in people with darker skin tones, accounting for up to 75% of melanomas in dark-skinned and Asian populations. It typically affects people aged 60-70 but can occur at any age.
Check your nails monthly during self-exams, and don't hesitate to contact your doctor if you notice any concerning changes. Early detection is crucial—when caught early, the survival rate is about 95%.
April 9
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