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Subungual Melanoma advice

Zoe28
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In November i noticed a faint black line running down my thumb (tip of my nail to the cuticle) and didnt think much of it. Until recently I've noticed its still there, the other half has been googling (bad i know) and now im worried i might have a Subungual Melanoma.

Im booked in to see the GP on Thursday to get everything checked out.. Can anyone advise me on what will happen at this initial appointment, as im petrified of blood tests and will need to prepare myself if that happens in the appointment.

 

Sorry this is all abit manic and it could be something or nothing but i just want to be prepared incase it is. 

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    Great that you plucked up courage to go your GP about this, even though you don't like blood tests etc. Well done! And everyone googles, so you just did what everyone else does :)  The GP will take a look, and decide if you need to be referred to a specialist. 

    I'm not a medic, but know this particular cancer is rare. And if you are very unlucky, you will know they detected it early, and can get on with curing it, thanks to your prompt action. Good luck! Harry

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    Hi Zoe28,

    Please try not to worry about your GP appointment. Nail problems can have different causes, trauma, fungal infection etc. Subungal melanoma is rare - it only accounts for 1% of melanoma cases - when you put that together with the fact that 75% of patients referred to dermatology are given a clean bill of health you can see how rare it is.

    It will depend on your GP as to what examination & tests they decide to do. If they think it could be caused by a fungal infection they may take a blood test, however, if they are unsure what the cause is, they may refer you to see a dermatologist who is more experienced in these cases. Don't panic if they refer you under the 2 week pathway - that is what they are told to do by NICE if they are unsure as to the cause, it doesn't necessarily mean they think it's cancerous.

    I know it's very worrying but the good thing is that you are getting it looked at quickly - if it turns out to be cancerous you are being treated speedily and that is what's important. Don't Google - the information is old & doesn't reflect current treatment & statistics which are improving all the time. 

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

    Angie (melanoma patient)

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