Hi Louise,

I know this an old post so apologies for replying here but I've tried adding you etc and I'm not the most technologically minded so I'm giving this way a go! Is it ok if we talk please? I am having a thumbnail biopsy on the 29th of this mo th and would love to get your opinion on things if you don't mind! Thanks a lot, Rachael x 

Hi Rachel,

I hope your biopsy went well and you are doing ok. I too had a biopsy done on my thumb on 2nd July, had my nail removed & biopsy on nail bed so am happy to help you with any questions, although I may not know the answer, I know what you are going through! 

I'm still waiting on my results IhI my appointment at the end of August so im trying to stay positive as I have my husband and kids but it's hard not to worry. 

I will try adding you as a friend.

Take Care

Mine is on the fingernail, and yes, it's grown up with the nail. This one was very faint and thin in January and halfway up the nail but got a lot darker and wider as it has grown. They were more sure of doing a biopsy this time than last as has more sinister features. If this is benign I will ask about what if it keeps coming back. The nail did grow back clear last year before line reappeared. It's weird. 

Hi EllenRose,

I'm sorry to hear you are going through all this again. I hope it all goes well on Friday and that the results are clear. Please let us know how it goes,

Angie x

Thanks [@AngieT]‍ 

I went for a dressing change this morning. The nurse was very kind but it took 45 mins as it was quite stuck. More uncomfortable than painful and I know the next one won't be so bad. She said it was was looking good so that's one thing.

My biopsy did come back as melanoma. It's gone for a second opinion and then they will have an MDT meeting but looks like it's early so hopefully one more surgery only. Feels very surreal.

Sending you BIG hugs, im here if you need to talk, I found it a very lonely place in the early days with not a lot of people having first hand experience of this sub type, here any time xx

Hi, I noticed a yellow/brown line on my left thumb last year. Spoke to the GP who said it was fungal and to use nail varnish treatment as she was reluctant to put me on the tablets. One year on and the line is still there, it doesn't seem as dark as the pictures you see on the internet, it's more yellow/light brown but runs from bottom to top. I have sent my GP a picture over a week ago and he has now said he wants to see me, which is another week. I am so worried, it just appeared overnight, it didn't grow with the nail. 

Hi, I've just been to the doctors and I'm waiting to be referred. I called him thinking I had a fungal infection, but he wanted to see me. When I wenth today, he said straight away he had to refer me. I'm panicking like mad and worried about what could be.  
 

It's been requesting reading some of your stories. I first noticed the mark on my toe 3 months ago, and reading about subungal melanoma and the prognosis has scared me to death. All I think about is the worst case

Hi,

It is difficult to not think the worst, but try to distract yourself and remember that fungal infection is very very common and subungual melanoma is rare. I recently had my big toenail removed and the nail bed. Waited about 6-7 weeks for the results and it was fungal. Also, if you only got it 3 months ago if it was anything other than fungal you have caught it very early. Its good/best practice that your GP has referred you. I got referred because I have had a superficial spreading melanoma on my back, so with my history I was referred. I hope that helps a little. Easier said than done but try to keep busy x

I went to my doctors and he agreed mine is definitely not fungal and to get it checked out. Just got off the phone to the hospital who can't give me an estimate waiting time but said it will definitely be over 6 months wait. 
I'm now thinking I need to go private...the worrying is making me ill. 

Thank you, we go away on Monday and I'm hoping it'll offer the distraction I need . 
 

hoping yours is nothing to worry about x

Thank you, we go away on Monday and I'm hoping it'll offer the distraction I need . 
 

hoping yours is nothing to worry about x

Good luck. GGT12 has given you great advice,

Angie (Stage 3 superficial spreading melanoma patient since 2009)

Hi Angie,

ive been to see the doctor today as I have a dark spot/bruise on my big toe nail, hes said he's 99% sure it's not cancer but has referred me anyway for the urgent 2 week appointment.. 

Is this standard procedure as I'm scared he might be worried and not have said anything, are the allowed to do that? He could see I was very anxious. 
 

Thanks,

Jo 

xxxx
 

Hi Jo,

Yes it's standard procedure set down by NICE guidance to GPs. As subungual melanoma is uncommon, GPs should err on the side of caution & refer to dermatology if they can't diagnose the nail problem as something else (fungal or trauma). It's much better that it's checked out by an expert so that you know for sure what the cause is. I hope this helps.

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

Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient since 2009)

Thanks Angie!

im just so anxious about the whole thing, I get I am probably just overthinking it!

I had a call off the hospital and they have booked me an appointment in the plastics department? I thought it was going to be dermatology.. and only plastics if they need a biopsy?

Again thanks so much for your response!

x

Hi Jo,

Some hospitals have a combined plastics & dermatology clinic once a week that just deal with problems like moles etc that may need removing after examination. The Plastic Surgeons are just as knowledgeable at what to look out for as the dermatologists are because they remove them every day. My hospital have one of these clinics and if I see a Plastic Surgeon who is unsure, they will go get a dermatologist colleague to come take a look - so you get 2 professionals for the price of 1.

It doesn't necessarily mean they remove it on the day but if they have the time and facility to do so they may. However, as yours is on your toe, they will probably bring you back at a later date if it needs removing as they don't like to do surgery on an area that will cause the patient mobility problems without forewarning.

x

Hi Jo,

I'm in exactly the same position as you. I went to my GP last Monday as I have a black spot/bruise on my big toe and she referred me to dermatology, im yet to hear from them.

Mine isn't streaky and hasn't any lines at all, it is in the middle of my toe nail. Im a bit panicked to be honest! Google is not my friend at the minute and I've terrified myself. 

When is your appointment? 

Deb.

Thanks Angie, you're so helpful! 
 

Hi Deb,

my referral is Thursday 23rd with the dermatologist/plastics not sure exactly which the lady on phone said plastics but letter says dermatology? From what my doctor said cancer normally shows as lines across the toe nail/in the nail bed. Being in the middle sounds promising and also that it's not lines! What did your doctor say? Was he concerned or just following protocol and being extra safe? It's so horrible and such a worrying time! Google really isn't helpful and I've stopped looking now as it's only making things worse.. as the other ladies have said it's a very uncommon cancer and 9 times out of 10 it's just nail trauma we haven't remembered causing! The letter does explain they fast track to put your mind at ease and as part of protocol, Try not to stress too much! Easier said than done I know!

xxx

Hi Jo,

Thank you for the reassurance. My GP basically said she couldn't offer me 100% reassurance as she didn't really know for certain it wasn't melanoma. She did explain it didn't have the typical characteristics but wanted to get it looked at to be certain. 

What does your mark look like? How are you feeling about your appointment? 

Oh I see! It's better to be safe than sorry, not having typical characteristics is a good sign so just try focus on that! 

mine is like a bruise/blood spot, it started right in the corner of the nail bed but is moving up the nail now. It's not massive compared to my nail. I sent u a friend request maybe I can send u a pic via message? Not sure as I'm new to this site 

x

Hi Jo,

I've accepted your friend request so I'll send you a quick message!