melanoma in the toe nail

Helllo my anxiety is sky high and I don't know how to manage it.  I've had a discloured toe nail for years now, my second toe from the big toe,  My gp did sent nail clippings to the lab to test for fungus infection.  At the time they came back clear.  She told me your nail is is just discoolured.  This was 4 years ago but now I' m afraid of melanoma!  Surely after all this time I would have other symptoms by now.  

  • Hello there and thanks for the post

    Try not to worry too much about this if you can. If you have had for many years with no change it is likely to either be a fungal infection or discolouration caused by trauma.

    it is my understanding that often nail clippings for fungal can come back as a false negative and the GP needs to consider whether treatment is still needed for fungus. This is something to discuss with your doctor.

    As you say if it were melanoma which tends to present in the nail as a vertical dark line you would have thought you would have many more symptoms by now.

    Do speak with your GP again to give you peace of mind and reassurance.

    Best wishes

    Naomi