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

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
 

I have had my appointment come through for the 14th September that's 4 weeks since I saw the GP. It is by telephone though as I have had to submit photographs

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)

Hi,

I do know that some dermatology appointments are being done by telephone once photos have been examined. Obviously we can't know what may be discussed but I would guess the options are that the dermatologist isn't overly worried about the nail and may want to monitor it for a while, or they may want to discuss removing it for biopsy, or they may be able to tell from photos that it doesn't look sinister. Thankfully you aren't waiting too much longer now until you speak to them and I hope it all goes well. Good luck and please let us know how you get on,

Angie

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? 

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!