I too would like to know how you managed after biopsy.

i am currently waiting for the 2week referal. 

I noticed the line on my thumb at the weekend but have no idea how long its been there.

i gave birth to premature twins 3weeks ago so been abit busy with hospital visits etc to bother taking care of myself. So when i noticed it and googled(stupid i know) i then pooped myself and got to the dr asap!

i cant stop looking at the line. Im so worried about it as google gives all the great results

with the stress from the twins and then this on top im really not coping well.

Hi Gyerb11,

Wow, you really do have your hands full - I'm sorry you now have this worry on top of everything else.

Subungal melanoma (Acral Lentiginous melanoma) is not common so there is every chance that yours will be found to be something like a fungal infection or trauma. If you can't remember having seen it until very recently, there is every chance that it's nothing serious - if it does transpire it's melanoma then you have caught it quickly so that's in your favour. 

Please don't google - it's way out of date and gives only worse case scenarios. If you want to learn more about melanoma the best websites are this one (CRUK), Macmillan, NHS and the Primary Care Dermatology Society. 

I hope you aren't waiting too long for an appointment. Good luck and please let us know how you get on,

Angie (melanoma patient)

Hi lovely

Have you has the assessment already?

If not they may not do the biopsy there and then, when I was referred to dermatology in the 2ww he had a good look at it, then referred me to plastics for the biopsy which was 4 days later?

It depends on the biopsy they do, with mine they removed my nail and some of my nail bed but they also do a punch biopsy which I never had so can't advise

Let me know if you need any more info xxx

Hi there,

im not sure why I’m on here or what to feel I have just been referred to dermatology for the urgent 2week care with suspected subungual melanoma behind my little finger nail.  The mark has been there for months but I never thought much of it until thin lines appeared above it very recently. I  in absolute shock, I have 3 year old twins and just can’t bear the thought of what the future might hold

hi bekkigraham

i completely understand how you feel right now.

i felt the same a few weeks ago.

i noticed a line on my thumb nail after giving brith to my twins.

i was sent for the 2week urgent referal and they were not concerned at all. I am have a review in 2months but they had a good look at it and said it is benign.

i was more worried as my dad had a melanoma last year so any changes i know i meed to have them checked.

its hard not to worry and think the worst. X

that is amazing news!!! Being a Mammy makes you see everything so differently, I am praying for good news don’t know how I could cope with anything other to be honest.  I really hope you are now settling into motherhood with gorgeous twins it really is the best thing in the world xx

Hi ladies

Please remember subungual melanoma affects around 1% of all diagnosed melanomas so is extremely rare. It mainly affects the great toe or thumb so its even rarer to affect your pinky but can happen by all means. It's good they are rushing it through, please bare in mind if you dont have a biopsy and they tell you it is benign then this may not be the case. I was told mine was fungal/benign for 18 months, when I had the biopsy and it was sent to the lab where melanoma cells were found, because it was left so long untreated it broke away and was found in my lymph node. So while it's good a specialist seems to think it is benign without a biopsy, their eyes are not microscopes and they cannot see cells. If you are concerned they dont take it seriously then go back to your gp expressing your concerns. Remember, a biopsy is to rule out melanoma and early detection is key in the world of melanoma

thank you so much for the support and kind words! I know I’m thinking the worst but it’s pretty hard not too.  I’m thinking I will insist on a biopsy to know 100% that it is benign, praying to every god that that is the news I recieve! I’m so sorry to hear that you did not get your happy ending, I really sincerely hope that you are getting the best treatment available now xx

Remeber, IF it is mm treatments have come such a long way recently, I'm technically NED (no evidence of disease) but I'm having treatment every 3 weeks for a year to be sure theres nothing lurking. Theres no need for you to think about that though, that's way ahead and not for you to worry about, just concentrate on your next appointment, sending lots of positive vibes and keep telling yourself it's extremely rare so the odds are massively in your favour ok, keep me posted and good luck, now enjoy them beautiful children xxxxx

All you people are just amazing!! I can’t thank the members in this group enough for the supportive words! You are all inspirational!! I don’t think I’ve ever hugged them as tight as I have tonight, I will keep being positive and sending all the love in the world to you people xx