Hi Kate,

I can understand your worry, especially when looking on Google. Please don't look there as it's way behind the times when it comes to melanoma treatment and statistics.

Your GP is correct to refer you if they can't diagnose what the problem is. The dermatologist is the best person to examine your nail and there is still a chance that it may be something less serious so don't get stressed out until you know more. 

Subungal melanoma isn't common, only 2 in every 100 melanoma patients has this type of melanoma. Also, for every 10 patients referred to dermatology, only 2 or 3 are diagnosed with melanoma so it's not a done deal that yours is cancerous.

If you feel the need to get information about subungal melanoma just keep to the respected & more up to date websites like this CRUK site, Macmillan or the British Association of Dermatologists. Please remember when reading them, that melanoma research & treatments are moving forward very quickly so even these websites will be a little behind the times. New treatments are showing great success at the moment in the stats since the drugs first became available (the last 4 years) so the outlook is much more positive since it was when I was first diagnosed with melanoma (of the skin rather than the nail). 

I hope this has helped a little. There are several posts on here from others that have gone through the same worry as you - if you want to read them search for subungal - one of the members, Ricky, has written a very helpful post recently about his experience of this. Good luck and please let us know how you get on at your appointment.

Angie

Hi Kate

how did you get on?? 

ive just spent the last week feeling like you, i think. Google is a bad place and all rationality goes out the window. 
I've just been to see a dermatologist today who has said I've got a mole under my finger nail (causing a stripe). He doesn't think it is cancerous at the moment but has potential

 I was further referred for a photo and will be called back in 3 months to see if it has changed. 
 

hope your feeling a bit more rational and have got some answers. google is a bad place when your head is not in a good place so I've learnt. 
 

amy 

Brilliant, so pleased for you

wishing you a lovely Xmas.