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Referral today for suspected Subungual Melanoma

vicky764
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Hi. New here and beside myself with worry. About 4 months ago, I noticed my nail had cracked across the middle and a faint black line was going up it. I left it thinking it was bruising as I play a lot of netball but over the last month, the nail has started to change to yellow in places, the bruising has spread and the line is still there although a lot of the other bruising is growing up the nail. 

Went to the GP today and already have an appointment with a dermatologist next week. He seemed concerned and said it might not be cancer but we need to check. 

I have 3 year old twins and a 13 year old. I cant bear the thought of leaving them. Feel worried sick :(

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    Hi Vicky,

    I can understand how worried you must be. It's good that you have been referred to a dermatologist as they are expert in this field. Subungal melanoma is rare, it makes up only 1% of melanoma patients. Add to this the fact that 75% of people referred to dermatology get a clean bill of health, the odds of it being melanoma are vastly reduced are

    Concentrate on the fact that you are being seen quickly so hopefully your mind will be put at rest. Try to distract yourself whilst waiting - keep busy and try not to dwell on worse case scenarios. Good luck and please let us know how you get on.I

    Angie (melanoma patient)

  • Offline in reply to AngieT

    Its very good your getting checked out & its good that your GP is taking it seriously to be on the safe side

    As someone who does alot of cardio excersise I get some very wierd things happen to my toenails, they have gone black, brown & yellow underneath in the past and have also split. 

    I am currently training for a 23 mile mountain hike and 2 of my toenails on the same foot are are looking pretty grim underneath already so with that in mind it could well be the impact of excersise in your case.

    I really hope it is & you find its nothing to worry about, good luck x

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