Hi, I myself have just found a black mark on my toe nail. I dont know how long it's been there as my nail varnish lasted me a month.. I'm the same as you I currently laid in bed worrying..  its probably nothing but you still find yourself worrying. 

Hi Shezzy and Danielle3105,

Marks on nails can be caused by several things, trauma, fungal infection or subungal melanoma. Of the three, melanoma is the most rare, but you need to get your nail checked out to be on the safe side. Please see your GP who may suggest use of a fungal treatment and to monitor it for a few weeks to see if there is any improvement. If it's due to trauma, it should slowly start to grow out but it does take some time (it took 6 months for a mark under my toenail to grow out and I don't remember having banged it!)

If the GP is unsure and thinks it needs further investigation you will be referred to a dermatologist. It is so uncommon, that for every 100 patients who present to a dermatologist with a suspect nail, only 2 will be subungal melanoma, so the odds that yours are fine are very good. So, for peace of mind see your GP and hopefully yours are easily treatable nail conditions. Good luck and please let us know how you get on,

Angie (subcutaneous melanoma patient)

Hi Emmand,

The dermatologist will examine the nail & if they think it needs further investigation, they will either arrange a date for a biopsy or they may even do it there and then if it's not a big procedure. Dependant on the type of mark in the nail will depend on what type of biopsy they do. I won't go into the different types as it's a lot of information to take in, but if you do wish to know more let me know and I will add a link to a webpage that explains it in detail (with photos).

Please read my post to Shezzy & Danielle as the statistics also apply to you. Hopefully yours will be fine - good luck and please let us know how you get on,

Angie

Hi Mossy7000,

Good luck with your biopsy. The stats I mentioned in my post to Shezzy & Danielle also apply in your case so hopefully the results will come back clear. Please let us know how you get on,

Angie

Hi Angie, 

that is if I get a biopsy. Cyst has burst, my nail looking even deformed now and I still got the dark mark.

No one apart from me seems to be concerned about it. 

Will let you how it goes from here.

Best wishes

Petra

Hi Mandy

I have just experienced exactly the same as you, I am very worried  at the moment. Just wondering how you got on.

Thank you for your comment angie. I've been to my gp and he isn't too sure what it it.. I have to wait 2 months to see if this mark grows with my nail.. bit if I'm concerned i can go back earlier x

Thanks for replying Angie.

I received my letter this week and have a dermatologist app at the hospital on 3 October so it's another four week wait. The letter did say this was an urgent referral and my doctor reminded me that there is only one specialist in my area. The letter says I may have 'an urgent lesion removal' on the day or I may get another app to come back. It doesn't mention the word biopsy but I assume that's what it is . I've decided not to look into what's involved in that as I'm already having panic attacks about the whole thing.

My nail now has a red and black lump under it which hasn't grown out, it's been five months since it appeared so I know it's not looking good.

I losty mum to cancer recently so that's playing on my mind too. 

Anyway, I know there is nothing I can do other than wait for my app. It's good to know I can talk things over in this space though. 

Thanks 

I'm glad you have an appointment through but sorry you have to wait so long. Try to distract yourself whilst waiting - keep busy and fill your time with hobbies, walks in the fresh air, pamper yourself with a massage. If you get anxious, try some breathing techniques or meditation, yoga or tai chi - all can be found on You Tube. 

Good luck and please let us know how you get on,

Angie