Hi

I have recently completed my treatment after three excisions of the left thumb and a sentinel node biopsy, I am extremely lucky to be clear at the moment. There are some important points though that I have learned.

I visited a GP at about 8 months after the thumb nail darkened photos were sent off but as I did not have typical markings it was decided tht it was most likely a nail infection, I treated it with a variety of products and went back after a year, because I was elated that it wasn't dangerous I missed the suggestion I come back sooner.

I then took a five month referral as it still didn't have typical marks.

After a delay that took it to 6 months I saw a dermatologist and a consultant dermatologist who suggested it was not dangerous but a granuloma, they took a photo and sent it to a nail specialist colleague. The elation this time lasted less than 24 hours as a colleague assurred me it was the same as his and it was dangerous. By now half the nail is missing and there is an angry lump weeping blood and fluid from where the nail was.

I was sent a sudden callback and salvation came when the nail specialist saw the nail , after a fleeting moment she decided to excise the nail right then and there with the hand on a stool, a tumour was removed. two frantic weeks went by and I was diagnosed stage 2A.

Main fact I learned you must be referred to and see someone who knows what they are looking at, even a consultant dermatologist may not recognise it.

Once I was referred to plastics things really took off and I was told a lot more and there were still invasive cells present 6 weeks after the first op, so another excision and then 4 weeks later a small amputation and node biopsy.

I was assurred that It is not uncommon to feel tired and have other symptoms when first diagnosed as I did also and this is partly panic, once I was more informed and calmer these eased.

I can only wish you the best of luck with your diagnosis and treatments.

Rick